Valley of Life | Online Memorial Blog

As we pause today to remember the brave men and women who valiantly served our country fighting abroad in order to preserve peace and justice, we find ourselves thankful, humbled, and deeply indebted to their service and sacrifice. Today, Memorial Day (formerly known as Decoration Day), is the day we remember those men and women who died in military service. Originally adopted to honor those who died during the Civil War, after World War I, the federal holiday was expanded to honor any American casualty of any war.

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The man who created the black and white POW-MIA flag, Newt Heisley, passed away Thursday morning at his home in Colorado Springs, according to a local paper. He was 88. 

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Wayman Tisdale, 44, died yesterday morning after a two-year bout with cancer. The three-time Oklahoma all-American played 12 seasons in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, and Phoenix Suns. At 6′9”, the forward averaged 15.3 points a game and was a dominant presence on the court. A fan-favorite, Tisdale also won gold as a member of the U.S. basketball team at the 1984 Olympics.

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The city of Portland, Oregon has been stunned the last few days after a teenager shot into a crowd of teenagers outside of a under-age club in downtown. The gunman killed two girls and wounded seven others before taking his own life on the city streets.  It was a devastating turn of events for a city known for its helpful and peaceful citizens. The tragedy is made much greater by the loss of two beautiful girls – Martha Paz De Noboa and Ashley Wilks.

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As Americans, we are blessed to have so many freedoms denied other cultures.  Women have a voice. Races are equal in the site of the law.  These are things we may take for granted. Though perfection doesn’t exist in America, the power to make a difference and to live a life of our choosing is a luxury provided to us.  This freedom was not inherent in our country, however.  Men and women fought and died in the hopes that generations to come would have opportunities they didn’t. 

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