Photo: Erik de Castro, Reuters.



Christmas is a wonderful time of reflection, meant to be spent with family and loved ones. Let's not forget the peacekeepers that allow it to be so for us.

There are many Americans who are duty-bound to be away from their families during this holiday season, and though would not choose it, they do it willingly. This is the job they volunteered for, and they know it is important.

For the many of them with children, it will be a sad day, knowing they can never get that time back, but they still do it willingly. Their children at home will have a second parent, or grandparents hoping to keep their mind away from these same sad thoughts, but they will not be able to help but think about that missing soldier. These American soldiers know all this, but still they do it willingly.

If you offer a prayer on Christmas, remember them and their families, and take a moment to think about what they give you willingly but at great cost.