I love my country.

It can be corrupt, manipulative, and full of injustices but unfortunately, that is how human beings chose to make it. All over this world we have absolutely no idea how to treat one another with respect. I am irrevocably haunted by a quote Carl Sagan wrote in his book Pale Blue Dot that says:

“The Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena. Think of the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors so that, in glory and triumph, they could become the momentary masters of a fraction of a dot. Think of the endless cruelties visited by the inhabitants of one corner of this pixel on the scarcely distinguishable inhabitants of some other corner, how frequent their misunderstandings, how eager they are to kill one another, how fervent their hatreds…In our obscurity, in all this vastness, there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves.”

I fear we may never learn. I studied abroad in Italy for three months. I was in Europe, just a couple countries away, when ISIS attacked Paris. Three months that happened to be one of the best three months of my life and also the scariest.

For three months I didn’t breathe. When I stepped through O’Hare Airport and saw the massive flag with its 13 red and white stripes and 50 stars that make up the United States of America hanging proudly from the sealing, then and only then, did I take my first breath.

But despite all of that, I know, without a doubt, how much I love this country when I feel the goosebumps break out across my skin and tears spring to my eyes as I pledge my allegiance to the United States of America, my hand placed over my heart, as I proudly sing the highest note which lands on the word “free” of our national anthem, the “Star Spangled Banner.”

I look upon our American flag and I feel:

• Pride for the way we fought for our freedom and still continue to fight.
• Shame for the way we have taken our freedom for granted by misusing and abusing it.
• Unconditional love for the people who have fought and died bravely for it.

Which leads me to remember the men and women in the armed forces, how their love and courage must truly outweigh mine to enlist in the military, fully aware that they are risking their lives, in order to protect this country we call home.

This day is about nationally appreciating the members of the armed forces who risk their lives every day maintaining our freedom. Today we especially honor our fallen soldiers who are mothers, fathers, grandfathers, grandmothers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins that served their country and loved it so much they lost their lives for it.

It started out with fighting for our national freedom from the king and queen of England and throughout the years it eventually became necessary to fight for our individual liberties and the protection of foreign and domestic threats.

To the fallen soldiers, it was a sacrifice they were willing to make for their country and their people.

Even though this is a national holiday, I don’t just remember our fallen soldiers on Memorial Day, I remember the heroes who saved me and everyone else in this country time and time again, who protected me on a daily basis by giving their life in exchange for mine every single day. Now that is the ultimate love this world can count on.

For the people who have lost loved ones from their position in the numerous wars this country has been in, know that your loss is not in vain. You were one of the main people they fought for. Through you, and everyone in this country their memory will live on forever.