The Soldiers Behind This Weekend
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Soldiers Behind This Weekend

All gave some. Some gave all.

23
The Soldiers Behind This Weekend
J.D. Leipold

Fourth of July. Nothing screams summer more than fireworks, Barbeque, and fishing. It's the one day as Americans we can set aside all of our differences and be obnoxiously and totally patriotic. Fourth of July means family picnics, watermelon, and parades. But for some, it's a time to remember what their loved ones fought for. For some, it's an opportunity to thank the people that make this weekend possible.

According to UCSB Science Line (http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.php?key=1396), an estimated 660,000 American soldiers have died on the battlefield since the Revolutionary War. 660,000 men and women have given up their lives in order for us to celebrate this weekend. Men and women of every age, in every war, have fought and made the ultimate sacrifice. Wow. Thank you. Thank you so much. I don't know almost any of the 660,000 soldiers who have died for my freedom. In fact, most of them I've never been alive with at the same time, but this weekend they weigh heavily on my mind. I mean deciding that the people they loved and the future generations they would never get to meet was worth fighting for, how can I ever thank them for that?

I want to start with thanking their families. Thank you for allowing your daughter/son, husband/wife, sister/brother, or friend to fight for what they believe in. Thank you for dealing with the stress, the worry, and the grief that comes with having someone in the Armed Forces. I'm sorry. I can't imagine what you've been through. You've made sacrifices just like the individuals you've lost. Your husband isn't there to plan your teen's graduation party. You wife isn't around to watch the football game with you. Your sister isn't going to be there to celebrate your 21st birthday. I know sometimes it feels like no one else remembers your soldier, or that your soldier died for a government and country that's torn in two. Sometimes you probably believe that your loved one's sacrifice goes unnoticed, but I promise you, this weekend, and every other day after, I remember.

To all the soldiers, here or gone, I'm sorry. I'm sorry some days it seems like this country is falling apart. I'm sorry that as a country we don't acknowledge you and the battles you continue to fight. I'm sorry that the ideals of this country that you fought/fight so hard for aren't the realities. And more than anything else, I'm sorry I don't know how to thank you. I'm sorry to every veteran I've seen and not stopped and thanked like I've wanted to a million times. I'm sorry I don't have the courage you have. I'm sorry I don't have the ultimate plan to honor and thank every single person who has ever fought for the country that I love so much. My writing isn't enough, I know that. But it's all I know. It's the only way I know how to express my gratitude. This piece is my silent standing ovation to the people who have not so silently fought for me.

I promise that I will remember you, I will pray for your family, and I will lead the best life I can. I will think of you every Independence day, Veterans day, and every day in between. I promise to thank God every day for you and your courage. I will pray for the comfort of the people you've left behind. And I will look forward to the day I can shake your hand and spend eternity with you. Lastly, I promise to lead a life that exercises the rights you've protected. I promise to always try to lead the life you planned to. I promise to be as patriotic every other day of the year as I am on the Fourth. As an American, I promise to remember that even though this country isn't always at its finest, the soldiers who defend it are.






Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

41610
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

26098
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951392
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

135147
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments