Posted on 07/04/2005 9:10:29 AM PDT by nuke rocketeer
4th, 2005 in Iraq...
Thomas Paine wrote, “We fight not to enslave, but to set a country free, and to make room upon the earth for honest men to live in.” Is the right of freedom an exclusive right? Is the right to live without fear or oppression meant only for those fortunate living in the United States? Why am I here in Iraq? What is my purpose, my goal, my motivation? My hope and prayer is that I am here because freedom isn’t exclusive and all people should be able to live in a world free of oppression and fear. There are some that would say it’s their fight, and that may be true, but now that we are here, isn’t our responsibility to show them how to fight their fight before we leave? Didn’t our forefathers fight for what they thought to be right? There was amazing opposition to declaring freedom from what they termed “Tyranny”, but they rose up to declare it anyway. Was George III like Sadaam Hussein? Was he maiming, torturing and killing the innocent without remorse or regard for life. We fought for our independence on the premise of being taxed without representation, not because we were being slaughtered like cattle for the mere pleasure of a few. We claimed our independence on 4 July 1776, and have been an incredibly blessed country since. We shouldn’t police the world, but if we act, we must finish, if we promise a better life, then we can not leave when the going is rough, only to return to our lives of privilege whilst others suffer for our broken promises. My only goal is to finish what we started here and to return to my family an honorable and honest man.
I love America and am 100% God and Country. It is every fabric of my being and what defines me as a man. I am thankful for the risks our forefathers took on this day so that I may be a free man, living in a free country where people are free to choose how they live. It wasn’t long ago when people attended parades, and as the flag went by, they were a little straighter, a little prouder and knew what “Old Glory” stood for. Once upon a time, a man would remove his cap, or a child would stand erect and put their hand over their heart when the flag so proudly went by. After September 11, 2001, there seemed to be a flag on every home, every car, and every place of business. What happened? Why did we stop? Is it wrong to love one’s country, to love what it stands for, to love the history she bore? On this 4th of July, remember the sacrifice that was made, not just 229 years ago, but in every war, battle and conflict since. What sacrifices were made so that all of us may live in comfort and peace. Remember, people don’t come to fight wars in America. Outside of our own internal conflicts, we don’t realize, nor do we remember what it is like to have our country completely devastated by war. In all wars, we have had the privilege to protest or support from afar, never really having to bow or submit to a foreign power. What an awesome thing it is to know we have had men and women to go over the ocean’s to fight for us, so we never have to worry about how that feels.
Have an OUTSTANDING 4th of July. Eat a hot dog for me, hug your child, parent, spouse or loved one for me, relax on this day for me, and remember I will be home soon, in a country where I can do the same. Remember to take care of each other and God bless.
With love and admiration, Coach Horne
And America loves you!!!
Thank you for your sacrifice, your service, your dedication and your love of country. God bless you and keep you. Happy Independence Day Soldier!
GOD BLESS YOU - AND THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!!
THE MISSION IS NOBLE. THE CAUSE IS JUST.
Over the last 3 days, I have seen several fly overs in formation. Just 20 minutes ago, I saw another. They reminded me of our men and women there.
Go get 'em boys.
You do us proud. You are, after all, the best of us.
It's not easy to read your post thru tears. Your letter should be front page news on every newspaper in our country. Unfortunately too many so-called journalists would rather print the bad news to reinforce their personal agendas on this war. While we aren't seeing the American flags being displayed as we did after 9/11, it's amazing how many vehicles display a "Support our troops" or "Pray for our troops" magnetic yellow ribbon on the back. Our flag is up every day, as are many in our neighborhood.
There is a source for the truth, however, at www.opinionjournal.com which delivers editorials every day. This is a free service. And every 2 weeks, Arthur Chrenkoff, an Australian journalist, posts "A roundup of the past 2 weeks' good news from Iraq/Afghanistan (two separate articles)" on this site. His report is an absolutely staggering summation of the progress being made, the assistance being given by countless countries, organizations and our troops. Unfortunately the mainstream media isn't interested in passing on this information, but you can read it for yourselves.
Thank you for a wonderful post--our prayers are with you and all our troops. We are only celebrating Independence Day because brave men and women have put their lives on the line for their country. We will never forget!
What a great Independence Day message!
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