The summer of my freshman year in college, my family took a trip to Hawaii. We visited Punchbowl National Cemetery during the first week of July. I remember being awed by both the memorial and the American flags everywhere - along the drives and by each and every grave. This was my first visit to a military cemetery and I remain touched to this day by that visit. Built within the center of an extinct volcano, the cemetery holds over 38,000 men and women who fell defending the freedom of our country. The park also memorializes over 26,000 who are missing in action.

As you enjoy this holiday, please take a few moments to consider the sacrifice of those who gave all for the freedoms we enjoy. And please say a prayer for the men and women currently serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.