13 flags

In memory of our military service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice two years ago today:

13 doorbells rang today.
I thank God it wasn't mine.
I thank God I didn't hear the chime
that precedes the words that are unbearable.
13 flags were folded today
I thank God I didn't receive one
I thank God I didn't know the names of the 11 Marines, 1 Navy corpsman and 1 soldier.
I thank them, their parents and their families
for their sacrifices so I can live free.
I thank them for being willing warriors,
epitomizing bravery, living up to The Creed.
13 families were changed today.
The change in U.S. citizens may not be easily seen.
But, the change is felt, it has allowed us to be prouder, caused us to be stronger, because of those 13.
We are the people of The United States of America.