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Lessons From A Galaxy Far, Far Away: Honoring Those Who Sacrifice

Posted by Charles on May 24, 2014 at 08:14 PM CST


In every generation, and even in every galaxy, there are those who put all on hold to fight for the freedom of others. As we approach this Memorial Day, will you be honoring those who deserve so much respect?

Many people over the years have asked, “What is it that makes Star Wars so popular?” Is it the epic space battles? Is it the unforgettable characters? Is it the action? The Adventure? The Humor? While I am sure that these and many other elements have contributed to the success of this franchise, personally, I think it is one aspect that I have not yet mentioned.

With so many imaginative elements, the one piece that seems to capture so many people’s imaginations is the wonderful story. A story that in some ways seems so simplistic, but at the same time is so familiar it connects with people immediately. It is the story of the fight for freedom. The story of a fight to set a galaxy free from a ruthless monster, a fight against insurmountable odds is what so many individuals find appealing.

The reason this story is appealing, is that so many people can identify with it. Throughout the history of man, one can see different people and groups struggling to achieve this same freedom. In war after war, conflict after conflict, men and women give their lives to secure and protect this precious gift.

In those final few moments of the first movie, as the Rebels attacked the enormous Death Star, we see just how costly this fight can be. As pilot after pilot fell to the Empire, hope looked dim. With the clock ticking down, it looked as though freedom would breathe its last breath. Just at that moment, when there appeared to be no hope, heroes emerged to save the day. Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, the Death Star was destroyed, and the Rebels scored one for freedom.

Upon returning to the Rebel base, the heroes were greeted with cheers of welcome. Shortly after that, one of the most iconic scenes from the series played out. As a grand score was played, the ones responsible for taking those first steps of freedom for the galaxy marched forward to be honored for the service they had done for all. These soldiers, the ones who put it all on the line, were celebrated.

As I sat and watched this scene, I was reminded of all of the countless individuals, who have risked all, to secure the freedom that so many of us enjoy. In society today, so many are honored and held up as heroes – sports players, movie stars, politicians (well, on second thought, maybe not) – and while some of these people may be, often those who really are heroes and deserving of honor are overlooked.

They serve unnoticed. They do the job others are not willing to do. They serve in places many would not dream of going. They sacrifice time with families and friends, they put their lives on hold, and they give up so much, all to serve others, many of whom never know what they have done.

They are, at times, the unsung heroes. The ones who serve with no thanks, with no fanfare, with no rewards, but only give with the heart to serve the country that they love. With a sense of duty, pride, and love, they give their all in the hopes that their sacrifice will continue to fan the flames of freedom, and that liberty will be secured once again for another generation.

As I consider these men and women, I am reminded of the importance of giving honor, to whom honor is due. Just as those who saved the Alliance were honored at the end of Star Wars, so should we also honor those who fight and serve for us.

We live in a society that is constantly changing. With the fast pace, there is often very little room in life to hold to and reverence the things that really rate honor. Life becomes so all consuming that the things truly deserving of honor are brushed aside and forgotten.

Even in this holiday, there is at times a greater focus on sales and barbeques than there is on honoring these brave men and women. We may watch an old war movie or two, maybe attend a parade, and even deck the house in red, white, and blue, but the celebrations stop there.

These men and women deserve to be celebrated and honored, and as parents, we need to be sure that our children know how important these people are. Now I know, war is awful, and no one relishes having to fight, but regardless of how we feel about the war, these men and women should be honored. In a disposable society, one that casts aside so many things, these servants deserve our remembrance and honor on more than just one day. We must always remember, and never forget the price that they have paid.

This weekend, take time with your families to talk about these heroes’ sacrifice, and find some way to honor them. These men and women, throughout the ages, have paid for our freedom, often with their own blood. They have given up so much to protect us. The least we can do is take time to honor them, and thank them for their priceless sacrifice. If anyone in this world deserves it, these unsung heroes do.

To all the women and men serving to protect us, words cannot express my gratitude. Thank you for your sacrifice on my family’s behalf. You truly are heroes.

Lessons From A Galaxy Far, Far Away is a regular column written by Charles Mickles for TheForce.Net for those who grew up on Star Wars, and now are sharing that experience with a younger generation.Star Wars offers many wonderful life lessons, and I hope these will help us better reach and impact those little ones that we each know and love as they take those first steps into that galaxy far, far away.


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