SACRIFICE

We were on our way to Toronto to celebrate Husband's milestone birthday.

Traffic was halted at a busy intersection.

American flags, police, and Army service members lined the streets.

A crowd of people, young and old, was standing in front of a funeral home; the destination of Army Staff Sgt. William R. Wilson's on his final journey.

Last weekend I opened an email from a friend, clicked on a link, and watched the nine minute dignified transfer of Sgt. Wilson that occurred when a U.S. Army carry team transferred his remains to Dover Air Force Base on March 28, 2012.

I have never before viewed such an event. Truth be told, I cannot think of words to describe the beauty, gravity, and solemnity of the ceremony.

It is equally humbling and heart breaking, and should be required viewing for all of us whose lives and freedoms are protected by these men and women whom we will never know, and therefore never truly mourn.

As I watched the carry team walk with Sgt. Wilson's casket, I couldn't help but wonder who was waiting on the other side of the transfer.  Parents? A spouse or fiance? Children? Siblings? Friends? Colleagues?

Loved ones of a hero.

Wilson, or Billy, as his family calls him, was training Afghan soldiers and police to take over the country's security after the U.S. withdrawal in 2014.

He was killed by a member of the Afghan security force.

His parents’ statement: "Our family was devastated this week to learn that our son, Staff Sergeant Billy Wilson, was lost in the War on Terror in Afghanistan….  As many of you know, Billy’s life was marked by a willingness to put others before himself, to pursue duty over comfort, and to do what was right even when it was not convenient. At a time when old-fashioned virtues seem cliché and traditional values feel empty, our son’s life showed that they have meaning still. His decency, his courage, his loyalty and his patriotism are a reminder that our family, and indeed our nation, could do no better than Billy.”

It is, indeed, a time when old-fashioned virtues seem cliché and traditional values feel empty.

But honor, decency, faith, honesty, courage, respect, loyalty, patriotism, and compassion are not old-fashioned or traditional.

They are the building blocks of culture and character, without which, a society cannot thrive or survive.

Much like we can't survive without our Sgt. Wilsons.

On this day when Christians throughout the world reflect upon the ultimate sacrifice of our Savior, it is fitting that we remember and give thanks for the Sgt. Wilsons of this world who have sacrificed their lives in service to others.

That we remember the families and friends who will mourn their loss for a lifetime.

That we work for peace, so that our loved ones don't have to die fighting for it.




QUING Hereby Decrees: RIP Army Staff Sgt. William R. Wilson.