Everyday we cross paths with one another on campus, yet only a handful of individuals stand out from the rest of the pack. These people are the proud who wear the uniform of their military branch every-so-often in order to represent their commitment to our country.
None of us think twice about what it means to wear that uniform, or even what it takes to earn the privilege of wearing such attire, because we allow our opinions on the war to divert our attention away from those who actually endure the war’s maelstrom.
We must learn to support our troops with greater enthusiasm rather than just slapping bumper stickers to our cars, but until our community begins to question and understand the role of soldiers, will we ever be able to honor them?
The soldier’s plight consists of duty, honor and sacrifice. They are the cogs toward peace and yet our society doesn’t deem their sacrifices substantial enough to support. Brave men and women risk their lives in foreign nations fighting for a cause so controversial that it overshadows the heroism unfolding all over. They are tools to get objectives done, we should stop punishing them for following orders since they only abide not create.
Their occupation is one committed to battling evil and protecting our nation. They are trained in the arts of war, knowing full-well that not everyone in line will return. Death is a constant reminder of how an ultimate sacrifice may be demanded from them, while our society couldn’t personally begin to pondered sacrifices of this magnitude. A soldier’s true work environment is an exchanged tide of bullets, their desk is the cratered remains of prior grenade detonations and their office decor is the crumpled bodies of damaged combatants. They see and experience things that at times may be too much for the soul, yet they remain solidly at the forefront.
Soldiers not only risk their lives for this country but also forfeit time with their families. A soldier’s family is the backbone to their motivation in the military but no matter how seasoned a soldier is to war, it is always a horrify moment when they are notified of their activation.
I still remember the day my father was activated when I was a child, having received a telephone call in the early hours of the morning. After a curt answer, my father responded in code, hung up the telephone and then began to pack. After a few minutes he went to each of us, kit in hand, kissed us and gave an understated goodbye.
This moment has stayed with me since my childhood. Not only is it a proud moment I can share of my father but when he returned it also taught me how soldiers don’t expect praise or thanks for their efforts, but with a modest mind, they do it because they are passionate men and women who would give anything for this country.
Next time you see a solider walking through campus, show them your support. Take the time to get to know them and keep in mind that though they don’t demand your thanks, a firm hand shake and a nod is just as meaningful.
What are you going to do to show your support to a solider? E-mail and tell us at [email protected].
