I confess that I have been otherwise so busy with prepping to sell our home and moving that I have neglected my blog. Today though, it's worth a few moments pause to think on those who have given all to defend our American freedoms. With all the division of views, thoughts and beliefs in our current U.S. political climate, we do well to remind ourselves of our common cause. At the end of the day, we are better to stick together and remember those who have given their lives for our rights.

"Ladies and Gentlemen: I appear to say but a word. This extraordinary war in which we are engaged falls heavily upon all classes of people, but the most heavily upon the soldier. For it has been said, all that a man hath will he give for his life; and while all contribute of their substance the soldier puts his life at stake, and often yields it up in his country's cause. The highest merit, then is due to the soldier."
--Abraham Lincoln, March 18, 1864 Remarks at Sanitary Fair, Washington, D.C.

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