Craig Franklin:

I was reminded once again this past weekend that the freedoms we cherish here in the United States did not occur by accident and they certainly aren’t free. There is not a doubt in my mind that the God of this universe orchestrated and provided wisdom to our founding fathers to establish our unique constitution while at the same time provided the bravery needed by the countless veterans that have fought for and defended this great nation.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve covered the Veterans Day events in LaSalle Parish. Our parish has always supported our veterans and this past weekend was no exception.

Although the inclement weather caused many to stay at home, many others dotted the parade route and then attended the program held at the Jena High School gymnasium.

I was especially proud to see the bands and other cheer groups from both parish high schools join together in the parade. It was symbolic of the unity that we as a parish truly have when it comes to the really important matters.

And supporting our veterans is one of those important matters.

In our current society that seems to be selfish in every facet, the Veterans Day programs reminded us of the many who have demonstrated what true patriotism looks like in the unselfish acts of bravery by leaving the comforts of home and defending our nation.

I have never spoken to or interviewed a veteran who would define themselves as brave. In fact, most have told me stories of how very scared they were when placed in situations where their lives were on the line.

But the very fact that they wore the uniform and marched to the front demonstrates that they were in fact brave. Through training, discipline, or perhaps just a special touch from God, they were able to fight when everything in them wanted to just stop and go home.

Although I have never served, I have many in my family that did. My family heritage on both sides is one that includes many soldiers, from WWI, to WWII, to the Korean War and on. My dad never served but his dad and brothers did and his patriotism was instilled in his children from the moment we were born.

I’m proud of everyone in my family who served and I’m especially proud of two of my own sons who enlisted after high school. My oldest son, Tyler, joined the Army National Guard and is still in the service today, graduating earlier this year from sniper school.

My second oldest son, Tanner, is currently on active reserve as he transitions out of active service following four years with the United States Marine Corps. With the war in Israel right now, Tyler could be called up at any moment and Tanner would be one of the first to be reinstated should things escalate.

So, while I have never served, I understand just a little the sacrifice that the men and women make to serve our country with our military. I also understand that while we enjoy our many freedoms, like freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of worship and freedom to vote, those freedoms and many more are not free.

It cost something and that cost is blood. Throughout the 247 years of this great nation, more than 1.1 million people have been killed while fighting for our freedom.

Let that sink in. Over one million people have been killed defending our freedom. We owe so much to them and their ultimate sacrifice.

It is quite ironic that this great nation was also founded upon Christian principles and beliefs. The Christian belief holds that another freedom was also bought with blood.

The Bible makes is very clear that salvation in Jesus Christ is completely free but there was a cost. While we cannot purchase salvation, the price paid was the blood of Jesus as he died upon a cross for our ultimate freedom.

As Veterans Day ended Saturday night, I found myself getting a little ahead on the holidays. No, I was not putting up a tree or playing Christmas music. Instead, I found myself pausing from the busyness of life to stop and thank the Lord for all our veterans have done for us and for Jesus, the ultimate giver of freedom. Freedom from sin and its consequences.

Yes, my friend, freedom is certainly not free.