The Christmas season is finally in full swing and the semester has nearly come to an end. At last, we can start letting our minds relax and unwind while sitting back in a big armchair, sipping a cup of freshly brewed coffee while Christmas songs play in the background. Seems like a picture-perfect holiday if you ask me. However, members of the United States Forces are suiting up everyday, risking their lives so that we may continue to have all the beautiful blessings in our lives.

We talk about our United States forces as a whole, but we have to remember that our Army, Navy, Marines and Airforce are all composed of people’s sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, cousins, uncles, aunts, etc. Thousands of people who don’t get to come home and see their families during the most wonderful time of the year. Among these individuals is St. Dominic alumni, Connor Flynn.

Flynn decided to join the United States Marine Corps right after he graduated high school and has been a Marine for nearly a year now. Flynn wasn’t able to come home for the holidays last year, but thankfully this year, he’ll get to spend Christmas alongside his loved ones.

“The hardest part about Connor being a U.S. marine is being afraid that he will be captured or killed while serving the country. It’s hard not having him around anymore, but I’m very proud to call him my brother” said senior Meghan Flynn.

Connor Flynn is just one out of thousands who have sacrificed their time and memories to ensure that U.S. citizens continue to have a safe and memorable holiday season. Luckily, there are tons of ways we can give back to those who are giving so much to us! Sponsor a wreath for a fallen soldier through Wreaths Across America, send a care package through Any Soldier, mail a Christmas card through Holiday Mail for Heroes or send a toy to a soldier’s child through Little Patriots Embraced.

The next time you see a man or woman suited in our nation’s uniform, make sure to thank them. Then, say a prayer for the thousands of others who, in that moment, are risking it all for you.