A few days ago was Memorial Day weekend. For the third straight year, Stacy and I participated in the Soldier Field 10 Mile run, one of our favorite organized races in Chicago. One of the attractive features of this race is that we start outside of the NFL’s Soldier Field and end by running into the stadium and finishing on the 50 yard line of the playing field! Most years, this one being an exception for what appeared to be technical updates, runners are shown crossing the finish line on the enormous 23 ft high by 82 ft wide LED video screen. And to cap that off, active military service actually awards each runner who completes the 10 miles with a finisher medal. What an honor, as we should be awarding them!

For me, one of the greatest aspects of the race is the ceremonial start where the announcer reminds us of the importance of the day and the service to which men and woman have dedicated their lives so that we may have the freedoms we enjoy to this day. I never take this acknowledgement lightly. Regardless of the politics and seemingly too common polarizing stands we see the politicians take in office or our citizens post on social media, the soldier is always there, ready to follow orders and take brave action, no matter the political affiliation of our most senior political offices.

While certainly not just for this race but in other times in life where I am facing a personal challenge, I  try to put myself mentally into what it must be like to have the courage and bravery to act in what at times must seem to be – and even truly are – insurmountable odds. And while I am pushing through my comparatively menial moment of struggle, pain, and/or endurance, I think of the countless soldiers who bravely faced their oppositions and fears, internal and external, and still moved forward. Sometimes just pondering what they must have been thinking themselves at those most challenging and fearful moments, provides me with an appreciation, a respect and a perspective that what I am facing is likely very surmountable, especially in comparison of what soldiers are called to do time and time again.

For that, and for many other reasons too, I am forever thankful, inspired and in awe of their bravery.