Okay, so maybe I'm pessimistic. I often tend to not only look at glasses as being half full, but look at glasses and then quickly look away because I assume that sooner or later someone will spill them anyway. That being said, even from the darkest perspectives there is one thing that I truly will never understand of people.
I've always viewed living in America as a blessing. No matter how horrible things may seem in this country at times, and I admit that sometimes things feel hopeless, people really need to stop and consider the alternatives. We have things that people in other places could only dream of. In America, we don't have to worry about what religion we choose to practice, or what we are and aren't allowed to pursue professionally. In America, those things don't matter.
I will be the first to agree with, and acknowledge that, I have never played a significant role in protecting the civil liberties of this country and its people, but I never the less can appreciate the magnitude of what people brave enough to protect those are doing.
Our Armed Services showcase the ideals of what any solid American Foundation should encompass. They train young men and women to have pride in what they do, to stand up for what they believe in, to protect what they hold closest to their hearts, and so much more. I spent four years in my high school's junior ROTC program and through that I met 3 of the most amazing men I could ever hope to encounter. While they rarely spoke of war or the service, and they always instilled in us the value of an education after high school before choosing a path in the service, they still managed to teach us ideals such as leadership, dedication, and responsibility. They trained us for the real world, and they taught us things that you could never learn in a normal classroom. They help to mold the next generations of youth into what they should be. To those men, and to so many like them...we owe so much.
Last night I attended a concert that had several senior citizens at it. Being the night before 9-11, the band played a medley dedicated to the armed services and asked veterans to stand in special recognition of their service, and for the audience to thank them with applause. Never in my life have I clapped that hard, not including a few "woots" that may have escaped my lips involuntarily. To see men that use canes and walkers gladly spring to attention with tears glistening in their eyes made me appreciate them even more than I thought was ever possible. Last night, I heard that music...and I cried.
Last night I cried thinking about horrific, unspeakable travesties that have happened. I remembered 8 years ago, hearing the news of 9-11, and wondering what could happen next. I cried thinking of my friends leaving for military academies at a barely legal age willing to face the unknown in the name of freedom. Last night I cried remembering playing the song "God Bless the USA" for an elderly lady and watching her eyes glisten at the thought of so many lives lost. Last night I cried.
I'm not ashamed to admit this because I am so enraged that so many compassion less people in this country are so unappreciative of the greatest gift of all--- freedom. I don't care if you are against war. I don't care if you want to chain yourself to a tree for weeks in the name of peace. Remember that while you're doing that, men and women are still willing to protect you, the nameless stranger, and your rights. Next time you want to make a joke about a horrible American tragedy, please think of how many children saw parents leave for work one normal work day, never to see them again. Think of that senior who can barely stand but is willing to defy his own aging body in order to salute this country and what it stands for. Think of America, and think of your freedom. Think of everything that you could not have, and then tell me that you won't support these brave soldiers.
Next time you see a veteran, or an active service personnel, think of everything that they, and this country stand for. Think of what they're protecting for you, and thank them.
God Bless America.
8 Years, never forget.
