Every year on December 31st Americans make a promise to change something in their lives whether it be quitting cigarettes, finding love, or eating a healthier diet. Unfortunately only 20% of us actually keep true to these promises. I have a solution to this perpetual problem. Instead of dedicating our new years resolution to something personal I say we make it more patriotic, a pure unadulterated support for our troops.
As we speak there are US soldiers all over the world preserving the freedom that we enjoy. They don't get a huge salary, they don't get great benefits, and they don't receive the recognition they deserve. They deserve anything and everything, they have put themselves in harms way to preserve our way of life.
As much as I admire and commend Staff Sgt. Sal Guinta for his battle accomplishments, it saddens me to know that because of his award people are now becoming more interested in the US and it's current war in Afghanistan. We should never take for granted or forget about the Americans overseas demonstrating their bravery and heroism that Sgt. Guinta showed in Afghanistan. I'm not saying that US citizens are not thankful for the sacrifice our soldiers make, I'm just saying that our priorities are out of order.
Politics will always be politics, a bunch of old "educated" people sitting in DC making laws and declaring enemies. Sometimes the laws or wars that these people make are not always in the nations best interest, and they should be questioned to an extent. One thing that shouldn't be questioned is the service of our troops.
As repetitive as this may sound, I think it is important for all of us to acknowledge the fact that our freedom comes at a cost, and we must defend it against all enemies. Never forget the sacrifice that our ancestors have made for us to enjoy this way of life, and never forget the sacrifice that our soldiers are now currently making for us. Our 16th President once said:
"I pray that our heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."
I don't think President Lincoln could have put it any more eloquent. So Happy New Year, good luck on your resolution and please join me in my support for all of our soldiers.
Though I believe the philosophy of war as a means to achieve peace is fundamentally ridiculous, I do "support" all soliders (that is - not only Americans) with a certain solemn respect. As the comedian Bill Hicks said, "I hate patriotism, I can't stand it. It's a round world last time I checked."
ReplyDeleteI do think it's a fantastic idea to direct your yearly resolutions outward, as opposed to contriving a self-benefiting proposal. Instead of signing up for two weeks at the gym, maybe promise to volunteer or tutor.