Today is one of the first days that I find myself at a lost for words. Not words for the sake of saying what is on my mind, but the correct words to express what I feel. Ugly, violent, and self destructive words may get your attention, but to be honest, they still would not serve good use to portray the message of this post. When reason or sense of focus fails to find you, then you must set out to find them.
As a veteran I am proud, I am honored, and I am sad. I am sad of the tragedy that has hit our military, and has struck pain in our nation. Am I mad? Yes I am. But I will not let myself become consumed by the rush of anger and the build up of negative emotion. I have decided that I will not give another minute of my life thinking about one individual who has caused so many people so much pain. I would rather think about the sacrifices made by our nations military and their families for all of us in our great country to have our Freedom, and rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. No person should have the right to take away any of that.
But, I would be lying if I said that it doesn’t happen. Our heroes are heroes now, and forever. Being an American gives you so many rights and privldeges that many people in the world will never know. To have these are your right, but you must also realize that responsibility is part of the ownership as well. We all must be responsible for our thoughts, and our actions. We must all be willing to work with our neighbors and support our families with Love and understanding. We all need to agree that from time to time we will disagree, but that is ok. Religion has nothing to do anything in America. Race has no role in our given rights. Sexual preference has no role. What job you have and how much you make should make no difference.
What will make a difference is you. Who you are, and how you live your life makes the difference. Are you spewing trash about the war, or your government, or your job. Stop!! Take a moment to think about those who have served and are serving in our military to enable you to have that right. Yes this is America, but it is made up of all of us, not just one, not just one percent, not just the elite, and not just the people on Capitol Hill. Everyone is including. If you see someone in uniform tell them thank you. If you see a drive to help those serving our military, do what you can. If you see someone in line at a restaurant in uniform, buy them a meal. Tell them they do make the difference. Show them some kindness and gratitude.
You may not agree with where our military men and women are, nor the reasoning for why they are where they are, but I hope you understand they are there for you to live a free life, and a life where you have choices, hopes and dreams. Anyone person that is willing to give his life to protect our country and all Americans is a Hero. Heroes are not born….they are made. The best heroes are Made in the U.S.A.