Welcome back everyone! Or at least welcome back to those taking Summer Session courses like myself. Yesterday was Memorial Day and I hope everyone celebrated it in style and soaked in some of that late spring, early summer sun. This holiday has come to represent picnics, BBQs and the kickoff of summer to most people. But, as its namesake hints at, it is really a day set aside for remembrance and honor. So, I would like to take some freedom on this, my first summer blog, to talk about our country and those who fight for its continued wellbeing and peace.
On an everyday basis, most of us think about getting to work and/or class on time, watching our favorite shows, updating our Facebook status, texting our friends…Now imagine if you woke up every day in a war zone instead. That’s what over 150,000 young men and women in our armed forces are facing daily in war zones worldwide. Here is a small account of one soldier’s daily trials:
“We were attacked several times this week. Only one minor casualty from another unit. The report is that he will be ok. Mortars here are a daily event. Yesterday one hit about 500 meters from our trailer -what a way to wake up. My guys reacted great. We all got in our bunkers before the second one hit further away. Then, we waited to hear the outgoing artillery. You hear the shot, wait about 20 seconds, and then you hear the impact.”—Diary of A Solider, Patrick Eates
It is hard to believe that bombings like the one described are an “everyday occurrence” for many of our soldiers who are stationed in war zones. But I believe that we owe them the respect and gratitude to think about these circumstances one day out of our year, on Memorial Day, and realize the great courage they have. I, for one, take this day to remember the soldiers I know personally and honor the great things they have done. My Grandfather, William, who flew fighter planes over the Pacific during WWII and my brother, Michael, who served in Iraq and at home for 4 years. Thankfully, my family never suffered the loss of either of these 2 great men at war but my heart goes out to the countless who have.
As students, we might get overwhelmed by our own daily routine. I know I do! All I’m suggesting is that we take opportunities when we can to show support for our soldiers overseas. Many of them are students as well and probably have more in common with you than you think! If you are interested in sending care packages, this website is a great resource: http://www.anysoldier.com/ Just think of things you would like: video games, music, books…they don’t have access to these items. Or if writing is your style, send a letter! You can find a solider to contact here: http://soldiersangels.org/
Honor our American Heroes!
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5 comments:
Thank you so much for this, Sarah. You're right: So many of us have been socialized into thinking of Memorial Day as just the "official start of summer" rather than what it really is intended to be, a reminder of those who have served to protect our rights and freedoms as Americans. Thanks for the links, too--those are great resources!
I agree Sarah. This is a good way to get the word out to many people. I also take this day to remember the soldiers I know personally, and thank them for what they have done for my freedom. This post is a great reminder to remember those who have died for our country and honor them.
Sarah...Thanks for the gentle reminder of what Memorial Day is really about. There was a picture on the front page of the Washington Post showing a wife and her young daughter visiting the grave of their loved one. It brought tears to my eyes to see the pain on their faces. It's a stark reminder of what these soldiers and their families sacrifice.
Sarah - what an eye opener to what is really important. Thanks for the reminder.
Scoutabout
We can honor them by valuing their sacrifices and doing our part to preserve and enhance the principles of our country.
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