Rainy Sundays were made for floor pillows, popcorn and old war movies. Recently, I spent such an afternoon and as the bow of a U.S. Navy destroyer plowed through the churning waves of the Pacific I was struck by three things. First, the courage and sacrifice of so many brave men and women who have given their all to protect and preserve our freedom. Second, how easily we are giving it away. Finally, the way in which America was portrayed during past wars and how she is cast today.
Somehow, we’ve been sold a bill of goods that America is the problem instead of the solution. Images of our imminent demise flash across the screen and bad guys inflict some twisted notion of justice upon the greatest nation ever to grace the Earth. They do so not because we did anything wrong but because we have achieved such success — and, according to the perverted value system of the Liberal kook fringe, we are supposed to feel guilty about it!
If you wonder why we don’t win wars anymore, watch a patriotic old movie like “Men of the Fighting Lady” or “Task Force”; then contrast it with “The Day After” or some of the more contemporary terrorist inspired tripe, the names of which I refuse to even provide status. If the mindset of today’s Left had prevailed a few generations ago, we’d all be speaking German on the East coast, Japanese on The West and Europe would be goose-stepping to the refrain of Deutschland über alles!
Want inspiration? Get reacquainted with “Midway” or “Patton”. Want hope? Read the following e-mail I received from a friend and understand that those terrific men and women who guard freedom’s door do so, not because they lack career alternatives, but because of their quenchless thirst for freedom and unyielding love for America.
Will you give this to my Daddy?
Last week I was in Atlanta, Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen.
Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.
When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for, it hit me. I’m not alone. I’m not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.
Of course, I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear of reprisal.
Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said ‘hi.’
The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.
The young soldier, who didn’t look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.
The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter’s name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.
When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it.
After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, ‘I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.’ He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying ‘your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.’
The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.
As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek and disappeared.
We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it’s good to be an American.
On this Memorial Day 2009, I salute all the men and women of these United States who go in harm’s way, offer my gratitude and pray for their safe return.
R.S.F.
When I was a kid, I loved going to what we called “The 5 & 10″. The name was a holdover from the days when a small variety store had items that actually sold for 5 or 10 cents. Of course, those were the days when $43 a week was a livable wage and milk cost 10 cents a carton. We used to laugh because nothing sold for less than a dollar anymore but they still they had a wide array of merchandise on display. There was even a “soda fountain” where the man behind the counter would mix up a soda [pop] right before your very eyes. He’d squirt a little syrup into the glass, add some carbonated water and voilà — a treat to tickle your tongue and the perfect complement for your Snickers bar.
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