The Ranches was founded in 1944 as a response to the unfortunate rise in the number of young men who were left without a father because of World War II. As a result, we have always had a grave an unmistakable connection to Memorial Day. Many men and women have given their lives to defend this country, and all that we stand for, from all of those around the world that wish we were a little less free, a little less willing to let people say what’s on their mind, a little less willing to let each person practice the religion of their choice (or no religion at all), a little less willing to let people stand up to those that govern us and a little less willing to stand up for all those around the world that cannot stand up for themselves. Many more men and women serve so that we never have to worry about having a little less of any of the freedoms that we cherish and hold dear.
On this Memorial Day, I am preparing to welcome a son-in-law into our family. He is one of those that risks it all so that we don’t have to. Two individuals have spent time protecting us from what we cannot see and risking it all for those they’ve never met. On this day, and every other day, I want to thank them for their service and offer condolences to all of those who’ve lost someone that made the world a better place and gave us the opportunity to live in a country where we get the opportunity to work with, laugh with, raise up and enjoy the growth of young people.
While it is easy to get caught up in the difficulties that we face; the disrespect, stupid behaviors, bickering, name-calling, failure to grow, lying, manipulation and negativity (not to mention the behaviors of the kids). We live in one of the few places in the world where our job, the task we get paid to do, is build young people and raise them up. I hope you have the opportunity today to reflect on the amazing country that we live in and all those that have given their lives to provide that freedom. I also hope that you will join me in thanking those that serve, those that have served and those that keep HOME ready for our heroes to return to when they have given all that they can give.
Thank you to those who have served, have family that have served or currently serving our great nation we all call home!
