How I Would Thank All of Our American Soldiers, Past and Present

If I had the opportunity to deliver a speech conveying my profound appreciation to our American soldiers — both past and present — for all they have done, and continue doing for this wonderful country, this is what I´d say:

I´m not a veteran, just a common American in possession of a deep and heartfelt admiration for the sacrifice and courage, demonstrated by you, the soldier. It is your bravery, your ability to perform your mission no matter what the obstacles, and your heroism that connects you to the pantheon of soldiers who have honorably served this country in the Army, the Marines, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard.

What prompted me to speak today? Many things I suppose. For one week after 9/11, watching all of the hopelessness, destruction, and death, dealing with my own emotions, I discovered an emerging trend. Once complacent people were becoming empowered, selflessly demonstrating their willingness to perform heroic acts so that other people could live, making that last phone call to a loved one before confronting murderous hijackers, guiding disabled workers out of burning towers. There was a refreshing and hopeful aspect to all of this unselfish behavior.

And then it dawned on me, in one of those moments when a perfected truth hits you right between the eyes. This is exactly what the American soldier has been doing in the past, is doing right now at this moment, and will do in the future. And I am personally guilty of taking that for granted.

I made a commitment to myself, on the day of that personal discovery, that my mission would be to reach and convince as many people as possible to tell them that all is not lost in this nation, that more and more people have looked inside themselves and re-examined their priorities, hugged their child a little tighter, said a kinder word to their spouse, called their parents and told them how much they are loved, and yes more people have a far more meaningful understanding and gratitude for what the sacrifice of the American soldier means to their personal safety.

Each day we go out to retrieve our mail, as a right. A soldier gets his mail as a privilege, as his only connection with "the world."

We´ve lived in the unnatural mass cruelty that mankind is capable of inflicting upon itself. We´ve drained our emotions until they cringe from being called out of hiding. The dust chokes each breath, the heat, the flies, the dirty feet, the constant roar of engines, and the perpetual moving around. Go, go, go, night and day. A miserable, thankless life. Nobody cares. Then the letter from home arrives. "I miss you oh so much. I need you in my life. Please come home alive. I love you."

Each day we eat from an overwhelming bounty of meal choices. A soldier may not eat for days.

Ugly, dug-in, frustrating, freezing, sweaty, muddy, bloody. The exchange of lethal ordnance, with counterpoints of crushing boredom and mindless terror. Three days with nothing to eat but a stale roll and a handful of peanuts. Awesome loneliness and fear, incredible courage. Long-promised leaves that never materialize. Just get to the next day, he says, we´ll eat again. A carton of c-rations gets to the soldier, with a Christmas note attached from a little girl in the states. “Will you be home for Christmas?” it asks.

Each day we phone our friends, upset when we lose a number. A soldier may not talk to loved ones for months.

Awaking to sounds of explosions shortly after midnight, all units on full alert. The aircraft had been hovering slowly over the dense jungle. It was never known if it had been hit by ground fire or the crew had become disoriented and crashed. The fiery crash had taken the lives of three platoon members. Three others survived. One survivor, after release from the hospital three weeks later, called his wife at home, and they talked and cried. Then his wife read him a Biblical passage: "No greater love has any man than one who would lay down his life for his fellow man."

I need to walk outside in the open air. Kneel down and feel the earth....pick up a handful...and roll it around. Savour it.....and know that every bit has been paid for.

Paid for with the blood of those who decided that this Nation, with a beginning so dedicated to the idea that each and every one of us is endowed by our Creator with the Right to live our lives the way we deem, and that each and every one of us is also endowed by that same Creator with the Responsibility to recognize that life was worth fighting for.

Thank you American soldier. G-d Bless You American Soldier. You are indeed loved and appreciated. When I meet you, I will shake your hand, thank you again, and tell you that it is to you I owe my freedoms, and my next breath.

*gohabsgo*

Nice article, Hockey-Puck. The Habitants were history when the 'Rocket' hung-up his skates.

As much as I hated the Red Wings, Gordie Howe was the best forward ever, and the Wings Management blew the best deal ever, when they refused to sign his kids!

I was happy when the Production-Line retired! I suppose the Orr-heads and the Gretsky-zambonios will now retaliate!

I still remember when it was a game. Stay well and vigilant, frog............FRegards

I was one of the many others who revisited Lai Khe after it's fall. This is not to garner oohs or aws... Simply a statement of fact. I worked in the DMZ for six months immediately following the demise of Lai Khe, shortly afterwards, I was transferred down to Tay Ninh. Just before jumping off into Cambodia. The year was 1969. I think it is better to have those who believe in America, it's Constitution, and the American Way of Life speaking for our great country than Communists like Jimmy Carter! Since it is apparent that he believes Castro and his totalitarian dictatorship is so wonderful, WHY doesn't he live in Cuba? Why do so many Cubans risk their lives to FLEE Castro's eutopia? And finally, why can't Jimmy Carter see the reality of pain, suffering, and death at the hands of a Communists dictatorship? Travelr

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