Special Heroes
Patriotism stands pretty tall in our home. My husband, a Viet Nam Veteran, who was shot over there, still flies the flag and believes his service in the USMC was something to be proud of. And, he still insists he believed in our country, even during that conflict; and that it was his duty as an American citizen to fight for it.
Let’s face it, what other country has the freedoms available to its citizens across the land any more than the USA? Yeah, patriotism is respected and honored here, and I know that doesn’t just apply to our family! In fact there is a young man from our local church who in the last few weeks made a commitment to the USA and the United States Marine Corps and is now training at Parris Island.
Sometimes patriotism stumbles in some sectors. There are those who believe we should just keep our nose out of affairs across the ocean and focus on what’s going on right here and now. They may not be wrong, but if we don’t defend our rights, what happens to them? Won’t they become lost and buried so deep we won’t be able to find them again? Do we really want that to happen?
There are some who choose to downplay the role of the military. Sadly, they are often the same people who are standing with picket signs shouting their displeasure over something, knowing because of the freedoms guaranteed here, no one is going to tell them they can’t!
Heroes From Our Past— With Special Abilities
I came across an article written back in 1942 about women and people with disabilities who ‘fought the fight’ during World War II, even though they couldn’t actively be on the front lines. They were powered jigsaw operators, people who swept up rivets from the floors of factories to be recycled for the war effort, and women who would file and sand bullet dies, while others manned sewing machines to make uniforms and canvas aprons; all for the military war effort! These folks were dedicated to our country despite the personal difficulties that kept them from actively being ‘in’ battle a world away!
The tradition of the disabled still working to help protect America continues still today. October of 2022 a large group of folks with disabilities were recognized for their impact in the military. These men and women were engineers, machinists, software developers and more! Their work was instrumental in providing a service of huge importance regardless of their physical difficulties. This is dedication! This is proof that patriotism still stands tall! (Both article links are below if you are interested!)
Celebrate Independence Day!
Today we celebrate July 4th—-the United States Independence Day. When was the last time you reflected on how incredible that really is? Many of us have barbecues and watch parades, but from a personal standpoint, do you consider the impact the men and women have made your your life? It’s profound, really; to live in a country where freedoms abound! Yes, it has its issues, but the United States of America is still the greatest country on the planet. We have much to be thankful for!
Fly your flag, and remember those who over the last 200 plus years have sacrificed to give you and me that privilege. And if you see a Veteran today or during this week, remember to thank them. Freedom is NOT free. It comes with a price and many have given their all, so we can stand here today and be proud to be an American!
#ProudToBeAnAmerican #FlyYourFlag #IndependenceDay #TheDisabledServe #ServiceCounts #FreedomIsNotFree
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