While my daughter was studying abroad in Paris, my husband and I made a trip to visit her. Being a history buff, my husband wanted to visit Normandy. I remember staring at those cliffs along the beach in awe of the men who knew they were most likely going to die trying to scale them and take the enemy’s stronghold there. Standing in the enemy’s machine gun bunkers, I looked at the beach below and thought of all those brave men who simply would not give up. There was a price—and they paid it with their lives.

Afterwards, we visited the graves of all those men who died during the Normandy invasion. There are no words to describe the feeling you get standing there gazing at the endless crosses above the graves of those military heroes.

About 30 years ago, my son came to me and said he wanted to join the Marines. You can imagine–as a mom my heart dropped. I felt pride and angst all at the same time.

My father was a World War II veteran and I always loved to hear his war stories. Of course, I’m sure he spared me the painful ones, but I know he had some.

Neither of them paid the ultimate sacrifice but were well aware of the risk they took when they volunteered to serve. They knew every day their lives were at risk, but they also knew that freedom has a price.

On this Memorial Day, I am sharing some past articles that are appropriate today as we celebrate Memorial Day and remember the true heroes who died protecting our freedom.

Veteran’s Day—Thanking Those Who Served

Scholarships for Military Dependents

Is Military College Right for Your Student?

Steps for Attending a Military Academy