"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God such men lived.” George S. Patton

Life is a precious gift, and no one knows how much time they have left. A life well spent is one lived in authentic love. The ultimate act of love is laying down your life for others. This is what marks the character of all who serve in the Armed Forces.

Love is an active choice. Little acts of love pay off in big dividends, and each act matters. Our true, authentic love has a ripple effect. It’s like a pebble thrown into a pond creating tiny, but far reaching, waves.

As a former United States Marine Musician, I performed at many Marine Corps Birthday Balls. I have heard many inspiring speeches congratulating the Marines in attendance for a job well done. The speeches reminded us why we served: Honor, Courage, Commitment.

One ball was different. We were in Washington D.C. This ball was attended by plenty of “higher ups”. The dresses were fancier and more expensive than what I was used to seeing. World War II Marine Raiders were also present.

The guest of honor was the Vice – Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter Pace. When it was time to give his speech, he looked at us and recited a list of names.

“These are the names of the Marines I lost when I was a Lieutenant in the Vietnam War.”

He spoke as if it just happened. The ballroom went silent. Each name, life, and sacrifice rippled through time and impacted everyone in the ballroom.

Past the glitz, the glamor, and the glitter was a look into where a piece of true love lay; the memory of those who gave their lives.

Love is what marks the character of those lost during their service. Many I served alongside were inspired to join because of the attacks on September 11, 2001. Each generation that serves is inspired by a love and purpose greater than themselves.

In Oola, love is an accelerator. Accelerators are values we apply to our lives that help propel us toward our goals and dreams. Love is the way we honor veteran sacrifices and create our own ripples in the pond.

True love supports and lifts up those you walk beside. Undoubtedly you’ve heard of ‘random acts of kindness’, but at Oola we refer to them as ‘random acts of Oola’. True love makes the world a better place: one random act of Oola at a time.

Some ideas on how to apply Love as an Accelerator and start your own ripples:

• Pay for a stranger’s meal.

• Send a letter to a family member or friend.

• Volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen.

• Have patience during your daily drive.

• Be kind to those serving you.

We just celebrated Memorial Day. Why not take some time to read a soldier’s story?

At The Veterans History Project, you’ll find collections of personal war accounts. By reading and sharing these stories, we pass on the history and realities of war to future generations.

In memory of Dustin J. Lee and Daniel J. Patron

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Jessica Hanna is a Certified Oola Life Coach. You can find her at www.jessicahannacoaching.com or send her an email to: jessica@jessicahannacoaching.com