Saints and Soldiers

It is interesting to note that on July 4, the Catholic Church will celebrate St. Elizabeth of Portugal, a queen who served the poor and helped her country avoid war during the 13th and 14th centuries and the United States of America will celebrate its Independence Day. What do saints and soldiers have in common?   At first glance it might seem that they do not have anything in common, but upon further investigation they have the following things in common. Saints and soldiers are heroic; they give up their life for a purpose higher than themselves. Saints and soldiers are honorable; they give up of themselves to give honor for a purpose higher than themselves. Saints and soldiers are historic; they are remembered by future generations for their deeds of honor and heroism for a purpose higher than themselves.