John A ButlerI will never forget.

Today is Memorial Day – the one day set aside for our country to remember and pay homage to  all those who died while serving and protecting our country.

Our fallen heroes.

When Abraham Lincoln gave his historic Gettysburg address, I doubt even he realized that his words would stand the test of time, providing poignancy, significance, and resolve to the awesome responsibility to not let those who served before us to have died in vain.

“…The world will  little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what  they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the  unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It  is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us —  that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for  which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve  that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall  have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people,  for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” — Abraham Lincoln

My own grandfather, Lt. Col John A Butler, died while serving in World War II and it is within my own resolve to remember and honor him for not only the amazing sacrifice he made, but to recognize him for the legacy he left and the lessons he taught me.

Lesson #1: Always put God first.

Lesson #2: Love your family.

Lesson #3: Display honor and integrity in all things.

Lesson #4: Lead by example.

Lesson #5: Show courage even in the face of adversity and dire circumstances.

Lesson #6: Strive for excellence.

Lesson #7: Have a servant-heart.

Lesson #8: Be decisive.

Lesson #9: Help others.

Lesson #10: Challenge yourself to do more than you think you’re capable.

Today, I give thanks to my grandfather for the lessons he taught me.  He taught me these lessons because of the life he lived. He indeed gave the ultimate sacrifice – laying down his life – yet he did not die in vain. His legacy continues to live on.

Thank you, to the grandfather I never knew.