A Tribute to Those In Our Military

No, I know it’s not Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, or even Flag Day, but I want to express my feelings toward those presently serving or those who have served in the military for our country. Howdy’s post,  Howdy’s Adventures in Thailand - The Hero, made me think about the men and women in uniform fighting for our freedom, our safety, our rights, and all that it encompasses for us to proudly say “I am an American.” These soldiers, whether they are/were in the Army, Navy, Marines, or Air Force, have given a part of themselves. All have given a segment of time from their lives for training and their tour of duty. Many have even re-enlisted. All have family and friends that they left behind while they were doing their “jobs”. Many wives/husbands and children are left with a void during the time their loved one is serving, and these people should also be recognized for their contribution to the cause. And there were other sacrifices made; the missing opportunities due to the separation. Sadly, exciting and happy events such as the birth of a baby, the child’s first step, the first word, the first day of school, ”the first anything” occurred in their absence and were missed by the service man (hopefully videos recorded those milestones to be viewed later). But when a permanent separation occurs it is heart-wrenching.

 

Down the road less than a mile from where I live is a modest house where a soldier once lived. Just as 2006 ended, so did his life. He was killed by a sniper in Felutia, Iraq, between Christmas and New Year’s Day and just days before his 23^rd birthday. He had been a classmate of one of my daughter’s. What a sad day! What a loss! The entire town came out to support the family and the funeral was held at the high school auditorium with a standing room only crowd flowing over into the cafeteria area. The service was very ceremonial, with the full military burial. And even though we are so proud of “our town hero”, there still exists a deep sadness. A sadness for a life cut short and a sadness as “our own incident” reminds us of the cruelty of war and of how many other military burials are taking place around the country.

 

My dad served four years in the Navy just as a war ended. He never saw combat, but the pride I have for his service is still there. I stand, applaud, and salute (figuratively speaking) anyone who has been a member of the Armed Forces. I end by agreeing with the thoughts, so well said by C. Douglas Sterner, a decorated hero himself, on his nationally recognized website.

 

 But defending freedom is not just a matter of facing a hostile enemy in time of war or conflict.  Every veteran, whether of combat duty or peace time service, is in some measure, a hero.  Heroism is as much a matter of attitude as one of action.  Every man or woman who has proudly worn the uniform of one of our military services, by that very action, demonstrated that they were WILLING to pay the price for freedom.  As a people we owe our respect and admiration to these DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM.

 An aside note: If you remember the gospel groups that used to make their rounds to the churches and would like to hear some of that music, check out the songs listed on the gospel album of C. Douglas Stern from 1979 when you get to that page.