1000......

.......American troops have been killed in Afghanistan as the latest fatality happened today with the death of a US Marine. May God be with his family and friends, and comrades in arms, who continued their foot patrol after the attack. Also, may healing of body, heart, and mind come to those injured with this fallen Marine.

This Memorial Day weekend, may we remember not just this Marine, but all who have made the ultimate sacrifice in wars to defend America's freedom.

This freedom is not free. Most of us realize this.

Each day, I pray not only for those who make these sacrifices - including their families - of serving, but for those who think that those who serve knew the dangers going in and that the sacrifices are to be expected. May their eyes be opened and their hearts swayed to what is true.

And so I will say - yes, our men and women in uniform DID know the sacrifices...but they chose to volunteer anyway.

God bless them all, and those who wait.