A True Friend to Liberty

My Grandpa Clifford with my Grandma Ruth.

 I saw a post on Facebook recently from the church.  It was one of their Book of Mormon posts, a special one for memorial day.  There was a story with a picture of a wounded soldier and his wife.  What struck me the most was the verse at the top.  It said....

"He had been a man who had fought valiantly for his country, yea, a true friend to liberty."- Alma 62:37

I love the last part....a true friend to liberty.  Those few words say so much.

My grandpa Clifford is the one standing in the middle.  I think my dad said he was in New Guinea during that time.

 

 Memorial day I was walking into the grocery store and I saw a veteran with those poppies they give out with a container for donations.  The donations go toward assisting veterans.  This man and all veterans are true friends to liberty.  I made a mental note to get some cash so I could make a donation and get a poppy in return.  After my shopping was done I put my donation in the container and received my poppy.  I thanked the man for his service to us and our country.  I have the poppy hanging on my rearview mirror as a reminder. 

Something tugs in my heart when I see those veterans. It can be any veterans or servicemen, young and old.  Part of that feeling is because my dad and grandpas were in the military. It makes it special to me.  It's a feeling of gratitude for our servicemen, the sacrifices they make for us...all of us.  I can't begin to understand the sacrifice that is made by those who serve and their families.  Many make the ultimate sacrifice.  They make that choice to protect us and keep this country free.  My heart is overflowing with gratitude that they are willing to, and many do, lay down their life for mine.

I come from a line of servicemen.  Both my grandfathers served in World War II.  My Grandpa Clifford(pictured, I love those ears and his smile.  I like to think Ian has those ears:)) was in the navy and my Grandpa Milton(I have no pictures of him in the service.) was in the army.  My dad was also in the Navy and then the Air National Guard.

I learned from my dad to value and respect this country and the freedoms we have.  He has instilled in me a sense of sacred reverence for America.  I remember him teaching me about respecting the flag and to never let it touch the ground.  I remember seeing him in his uniform as he left for his monthly weekend at the base when he was in the reserves.  I remember seeing his military colored garment top.  Yep, there is one color other then white.  It seems extra special and sacred to me.  The thought of covenant keeping priesthood holders also serving and protecting their country is a powerful thing.

My dad's pride and love for this country runs deep.  I remember one afternoon my brother was listening to a Jimmy Hendrix CD.  There was a track of Jimmy Hendrix playing the national anthem with his electric guitar.  I'm sure a lot of people love that version...not my dad though.  He came into the room and very firmly, there might have been steam coming out his ears, told my brother to turn that off!  To him is would be like having one of the sacred hymns played on the electric guitar.  To him it was disrespectful and unacceptable.  That memory really sticks out in my mind.  I knew right away why he didn't want to hear that song performed in such a way...it was too sacred to him.  Whenever I hear that song my heart swells and the goosebumps come.

I think none of us, including me, can truly grasp and comprehend what has been given since the history of this country, and what is still given so we can enjoy our lives of freedom and ease here.  My sister was once talking to my grandpa Clifford about voting.  He felt that everyone should vote, that we have an obligation to vote because he said quote, "We are drinking from a well that we didn't dig."  So true!

It's true that we can enjoy our lives and freedoms because of the efforts of others, whether that's our founding fathers, divinely guided by our Father in Heaven, or the military men and women throughout the history of this country who keep us free.

What a blessing we have!  Next time you see a servicemen make sure to thank them.  Lets remember they are 'true friends to liberty'. :)
 

Clifford Leslie Moore, A true friend to Liberty.