In the military, medals are awarded to those who perform extraordinary “acts of valor.” For those men and women, these acts may even be the ultimate sacrifice. As I walked by the war memorial in downtown Indianapolis this past week, the beauty of architecture and the glowing sky behind it struck me. How many times a day do people pass by this? How many people stop to enjoy such an aesthetic sight, a breathtaking creation? And even more importantly, how many stop to pay respect to those individuals in which these memorials are created?

That night, I enjoyed the purity of the impending night sky over a building like I have many times in the past, but as I read the quotes etched in stone (admittedly for the first time), I was overwhelmed with why these structures exists. Here I am today, because of so many acts of valor and sacrifice; acts that go unnoticed, unwitnessed — even unknown. Although this specific memorial commemorates those that served in the military from Indiana, I reflected on all things that have sacrificed to place me in this moment, in this place, in this time.

With Father’s day close, I began to think of my grandfather and his time spent in World War II. His sacrifice for his country may have been brief, but his sacrifices to me are forever. Although I was young when he passed, I remember him as the type of man I wish to be. He was a hardworking man, a man of many hats — able to figure out and accomplish any task. My father learned from him, as I have learned now from them both. I have always prided myself on trying to be self-sufficient, self-aware — but most of all selfless — something instilled in me in which I’m forever thankful to them for. Have you ever truly looked within yourself and remembered what you are thankful for?

Moments like these, captured by this photo, are spectacular reminders of our existence in a world filled with beauty. To think of all the events that have occurred prior to that moment of peace and tranquility, was quite a humbling experience. Our existence is a miracle, as we are all but a collection of infinite time and circumstance. In this vast universe, why did I come to exist? What is my purpose? As I gazed up, I was reminded of a quote by Lao Tzu — “To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.”  We live life always worried about the past, the future — but at that moment, my mind was still and I was lost in the present. I urge you to take a moment and look at this picture, remember what you are thankful for, and remind yourself of your own existence in this world. Remember those who have sacrificed for you, for those you love, for your family. Take the time each day, no matter how busy you are, to truly bask in the glory of this creation, bathe in its goodness, receive its warmth and be thankful for every act of valor and sacrifice that gave you your existence.

“In valor, there is hope” — Tacitus