The past few days have been quite a blur as I returned home after a year away in Scotland. A part of me feels like no time has passed, but another part of me feels like years have gone by since I was last home with my family. I have also returned just in time for Memorial Day, an American holiday to honor all those that have lost their lives serving our country in the military. After being away so long, I am not used to the wave of patriotism that is evident in the many American flags waving outside homes, restaurants, and most public buildings.

Growing up in America all of my life, I never truly noticed how patriotic and proud Americans are of their country until I left and saw more of the world. I am happy to be home for this holiday weekend because I feel like I have a newfound appreciation for this country and for the men and women who have given their lives to protect it.

The devotion, strength, and pride people have for each other are unlike anything I have seen in the many places I have traveled this year. It is so easy to take our servicemen and women for granted because safety and security can seem like an automatic right; but in this world, and in this day in age, they are truly a gift.

Living in the U.K. this year and watching the various atrocities unfurl in London, Paris, and most recently, Manchester has made me much more aware and grateful for my own safety and the safety of my loved ones. While we have come to know all too well that violence and terror have no boundaries, it is important to recognize the people that have sacrificed their safety to protect our own.

It is the most selfless act of all, and I have a deep respect and gratitude for all those that have lost their lives protecting our own borders and those of the rest of the world.

We should never take our safety for granted, especially when we see how easily it can be taken from our grasp. While this holiday is a solemn one, it is also important to celebrate life and exercise the daily freedoms provided to us by those willing to fight and die for it. We owe everything to these people, and they should never be forgotten.