Today I'm getting ready to go camping, at a site with running water, showers, to "cook out" on vacation, thanks to a Soldier who sleeps on hard ground, has only the water he brought with him, has not had a hot shower in days, and has only MRE's to eat.


Today I may see a fireworks display, thanks to a Marine huddled in a cold, muddy foxhole amid the flashes of gunfire and the sounds of mortars exploding nearby.


Today I may hear the National Anthem sung by a choir of schoolchildren, thanks to an Airman who pauses in the heat of the desert with tears in his eyes as he hears it far from home.


Today I will picnic with friends and family, thanks to a Sailor who holds a letter from his wife close to his heart as he counts the days until he will be with her again.


Today I will look at a red, white, and blue flag with special pride, thanks to those who have gone before, whose blood, sweat, tears, and lives have bought me the freedom to say "Happy Independence Day."





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Labels: Independence Day, personal