In honor of troops past, present and future
As we celebrate today, July 4, I am reminded of so many friends and faces who have given their all for our beautiful country and the things we take for granted. We can go for an evening walk, go to the store or just play outside and enjoy God’s illustrious nature. So many times we never think about the people in other lands that will never know this peace or the tranquility nature often brings. They will never know the feeling of calmness as we take a stroll outside or sit on the front porch and watch the children play.
We have people who have tried to steal this away from us, to create a fear in us. They are jealous of what we have and they do not. They cannot stand America as we stand for God. They want us to worship others. They want to see our God and our nation fail and lose power.
Now it seems that our own leaders are leaning more and more in this direction. This country was founded on Christian morals and on Christian morals it shall continue to stand. I believe that before this country totally eliminates God from its presence, God will eliminate this country from existence. God is giving us warning after warning each day of our lives. People need to wake up and realize the reason they wake each morning is because God has granted them one more day on this great planet he created. We are not here because of something we did. We are here because God has given us this day to worship him and we should do just that.
As we celebrate the fourth of July and enjoy all the fireworks and festivities, let us not forget that this freedom we enjoy comes at a very high cost. I, as with many of you, have lost dear friends and loved ones to this war we are now fighting. I do not like the war, but feel that if we had not gone to fight on their land, the war would have taken place on our own soil. I definitely do not want that. Let’s never forget the price these soldiers have paid and are continuing to pay for our freedom. There are many men and women fighting this war. They are living every day on the edge, never knowing if they will see American soil again in their lifetime. They do not need our criticism of the war or the statements about how things should have been handled differently. They are fighting for us and we need to honor, respect and appreciate them. Not only do we need to do this but we need to let them know we are doing this. Let a soldier know you are supporting them. Even if you do not support the war, support the soldiers. They are following orders and fighting for our freedom.
It is hard to believe that a young man I taught in kindergarten through second grade was killed over a year ago fighting for the country he so dearly loved. Another soldier who I knew that paid the ultimate price for our freedom was the son of a pastor I served under on the mission field. How many more will we lose? Only time will tell. We simply must lift them up to the lord above and pray for their safe return. We also must remember that once they do return, they need continued prayers to deal with all they have seen and experienced while at war. They need our love, support and prayers.
In closing, I would like to say a huge thank you to all who have given of themselves for our country. Always remember we love you and are proud of you. We pray for you continually as well as for those you hold dear. You give unselfishly of your time, your family and friends for people you do not even know. May God always hold you close to his side and keep his shield and armor of protection about you. We love you and thank you again for being an American hero. We salute you, our American soldier.
LaBreeska Smith
Literacy Coach, Pleasant Hill High School
