Bear with me for a minute and imagine this scenario:
(All I could hear was the bombs going off and the gunfire that seemed to be everywhere but I could not see anything because it was dark and so hot and muggy. In my sweat and tears I was able to gather myself and machine gun and hope to find my other soldiers that were hit by the bomb that just went off. As I got up from underneath the dabree I kept asking myself why in the world are we here fighting in the first place. As I was thinking about this I heard several cries for help near me so I went over to see one of my friends who was hit by enemy fire. As I came near him I saw the blood from the wound and knew he probably was not going to make it but in-spite of my tears and fear I picked him up and carried him while gunfire went off all around us. I ran so hard without looking back and all I could think of was that I was not going to let him die. Then it all made sense why we were there and that was to protect our freedoms no matter what the cost. I was an American soldier with more pride and fight than you can imagine so whatever people thought of me I did not care because the only thing that mattered to me was to make sure he lives. I would always think what my family and friends thought of us back at home in their comfortable life without worrying about gunfire and bombs going off around them. Then I focused on making sure my friend lives so I ran through the gunfire and bombs going off all around us with me carrying him and then the last thing I remember was the intense pain that hit my back causing me to fall and drop my friend to the ground. The intense pain made me cry out but to my horror my friend laid there motionless and I knew he was gone. The tears rolled down my face while I shouted out in pain but the pain I was feeling was for my friend and the news I would have to tell his family of his death. The physical pain I felt was intense and I knew I had been hit but the pain of seeing my friend lying there motionless was even more unbearable. I was thinking that I will be the one that will tell his wife and family that he was gone and that made cry out. )
What I just stated was a fictional account of what has probably taken place in Iraq or any place our troops have defended our freedoms. Imagine how they are enjoying this Memorial Day with me. Imagine you are the soldier that is in the middle of a bomb attack and enemy fire. How would you react? What would you do? Would you save your friend knowing your life could end? I know there might be Veterans and soldiers that might read this and probably can relate to the fictional story account but those of us at home and enjoying our freedom cannot relate to the pain and sorrow you have felt being alone and in battle. I know the war in Iraq is controversial and has caused more debates with our politicians than anything else but why do we debate over freedom? Freedom is not to be debated over is it? Regardless of your opinion of the war going on, your troops and soldiers representing freedom and honor are fighting for you so instead of judging them you need to thank them!! To those American Soldiers I thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul and appreciate everything you have done for our country!! Your sacrifices and willingness to die for my rights and freedoms is why I call you all heroes. My goal is to never forget what you have done for all of us!!! Your lives are inspiration to all of us and we will never forget the real heroes. You are heroes!!
