Proud to be an American

It seems that everyone either has a friend or relative in the Armed Services or know someone that does. Well, I am no exception to that rule. I currently have three, yes three, sons in the regular Army at this time.  Fortunately, they are all still in the US, but I know that soon will change and they will be deployed overseas. 

My first reaction when my first son said he joined the Army, was “what the heck are you thinking!!!!”, not to mention a lot of other things.  But now that I have had the opportunity to attend a couple of boot camp graduations and listen to some of our men and women in the service talk about why they joined and how they feel.   I have developed a different attitude toward the people who serve in this terrible war.

I can honestly say that I don’t support ANY war.  There is no such thing as a “good war”.  There is always the stark reality of what war is and what it does to the people directly involved, the people indirectly involved and the countries involved. There is nothing good about any of that.

I, however, have learned to look beyond that.  I have learned to see things from the perspective of those directly involved. The perspective of our wonderful people serving in the Armed Services stands as a shining example of what being an American is all about.  These men and women daily put themselves last and think of their country, their fellow soldiers, and the purpose they have, first.  To hear any of them speak of their mission humbles me every time. The pride, dedication and love of their country is exemplary.

I receive updates from a friend of mine who has 2 sons currently serving in Iraq with the Marines. There isn’t a message that doesn’t bring tears to my eyes.  The commander of their unit sends reports that are full of pride and love for the people he commands.  He tells in details that are allowable of battles and the bravery of the soldiers. He speaks unabashedly about men crying and giving eulogies for their fallen friends.  He describes the “fallen angels” who now can rest in peace.  He tells of the how every day is a new struggle between doing their job and dealing with an enemy that has no morals or conscience.  He also tells of how the soldiers are trying to help the people of Iraq deal with their own plight.  Their homes are invaded and burned down by their own people.  They live in terror each and every day.  Women and children are used as human bombs and many have no choice in the matter.  And yet, our troops are there trying to rid them of this enemy, rebuild their buildings and their lives.  The children realize that the “American infidel” is not really that bad after all.

In the middle all of that suffering, there are our sons, daughters, husbands, wives, uncles, etc. They are willing to sacrifice their lives so that we may never have to live as the Iraqi and so many other nations have to right now.  No, I don’t agree with war.  But how can you not help but be filled with a pride that fills you up and makes you cry every time you see one of our men and women in uniform saluting the flag of the greatest nation on earth, the United States?

Please be sure to thank the next person you see that belongs to any branch of the armed services, and be sure to thank our veterans, too.

Never be ashamed to say: “I’m proud to be an American”. 

Respectfully submitted,

Deborah Esselman