Growing up in a military family and living in Europe for almost seven years means my family and I did a lot of traveling. Part of those travels, on many occasions, involved visiting historic sites and paying respect to those who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of their homeland. Our trip to Normandy, France, is one I’ll never forget. Walking on the beaches where the bloody battle of D-Day took place felt surreal. But to quietly walk through the Normandy American Cemetery was truly sobering.

Stretched across over 172 acres of land lie the graves of more than 9,300 men. Fifteen hundred of those are “missing” men who have no name written on their tombstones. Every single one of these men, however, had a mother and father at one point. Many of them had wives and children. Another common denominator, one could conclude, is that they loved their country enough to die for it. They were willing to fight, even though their names may have been forgotten. I recall treading across the plains of the cemetery trying to absorb as much as humanly possible. I wanted to remember the feeling of gratitude intertwined with deep solemnity. It’s a shame how easily we forget the men who had us in mind as they took their last breaths.

Thankfully, there are many who have made it their aim to remember as well as help others remember. But it’s not simply about remembering the veterans and their noble sacrifice but reflecting on the cost and value of freedom. This Christmas, Karen Worcester is putting a spotlight on just that.

Worcester serves as the executive director for the nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA). This year, and every year for the last 30 years, WAA has placed wreaths on the headstones of “thousands upon thousands” of soldiers “to honor them and to keep their sacrifices fresh in the minds of all who see.” A tradition that started quietly in 1992 by the Worcester family ultimately boomed into thousands of requests. WAA was established in 2007 with this specific mission: “Remember. Honor. Teach.”

“It’s very humbling,” Worcester said. “One of the most important things we do is tell the stories of those men and women who served, and tell what made them step up, and to teach our children what’s so wonderful about freedom that, should they be the next generation called, that they value freedom enough to step up.” Ultimately, Worcester believes that “to see the American people — what they can do when they all come together — there’s so much volunteerism here and love of our military, and there’s also a great understanding” of what makes it so special. “Our mission is to remember the fallen,” she emphasized, “honor … those that serve, and teach the next generation the cost and value of freedom.”

You may not be able to volunteer to help WAA place wreaths on soldiers’ gravesites, but there are ways you can remember and honor those who have served and are currently serving.

This Christmas, may we remember the nation’s heroes by thanking God for their willingness to give up everything. This is especially fitting for the holiday, as Christians understand that Christmas is when we draw special attention to the birth of Christ, the Messiah who was born so that He could then die for our sake.

We can also pray for soldiers and their families. Pray that the men and women who fight for this country may be protected from pain and death. Pray that, if they haven’t already, they come to have saving faith in our Lord. Pray that their families are provided for and kept free from harm and anxieties. Pray also that they too may have saving faith. We can also remember and honor our veterans and their families by giving. We can give gifts to local charities and give time through volunteer work.

Finally, I believe it honors those who have selflessly served when we are thankful for what we have. Every day we live free from terrorism and other kinds of attacks is a day in which we can be thankful for those keeping the enemy at bay. Any day in which we’re still able to spend time with loved ones is a day in which we can be thankful that they have not paid the ultimate price in combat. Each day we’re able to live comfortably withs roofs over our heads and food at our tables is a day in which we can be thankful that we don’t have to be on the front lines risking our lives.

As a military brat, in which both of my parents and a number of my siblings have served, I know firsthand the kind of sacrificial, patriotic heart it takes to dedicate oneself to military service. It’s not for the faint of heart. And yet, if I’ve heard one thing repeatedly from my loved ones who have served, it’s that they consider it a privilege and an honor. And so, this Christmas, as we reflect on the birth of Christ and the gift of salvation, let us also reflect on the fact that God has gifted us with men and women who are willing to give up time with friends and family to protect our country.

As we enjoy the merriment of the season, let us not forget to pray and be thankful for the ones who have helped pave the way for freedom, for the cost is not cheap, and the value does not fade.