I was honored to thank a soldier

I had the immense pleasure of meeting a young soldier yesterday who had been injured in Iraq. He is the son of an old friend of mine. What an honor to be able to thank him for his service and sacrifice!

We talked a while about his service, and eventually wound our way into a conversation on the country’s support of our troops. While both of us agreed that the vast majority of American’s support the troops and their efforts around the world, we both reached the rather disconcerting conclusion that there are those out there who stand on the deeds of these brave men and women in order to denigrate and dishonor their service.

He told me about a “rally” he witnessed outside of his base. This young man is based in the northwest United States. His disappointment and discouragement were evident as he relayed his story. The rally railed against our war on terror and the troops, including two young women standing on an American flag, holding a sign that read, “God bless IED’s!” Need I say more?

This symbolism has finally sunk into my mind. I had a hard time reconciling American citizens degrading our flag, and praising the death an injury caused by IED’s. It should not have been so hard for me to understand, given the tone of some in our country these days. My first thoughts were that they do have a right to speak out, and say what they wish.

The soldiers that they despise are the same that protect their right to howl. It is not the court, not the President, not the Supreme Court, or even the Constitution, these only guarantee the rights. The protection and defense of these rights are on display every day all over the world in the uniforms of our armed forces. Without these people standing guard over our liberties, none of the aforementioned would matter.

My new young friend agreed, with a note of chagrin. These soldiers, sailors and airmen all know what they are serving for. It is not as if we have not been on a war footing for nine years now. Each of them understood going in what may be in store for them. That is the most important thing for us to remember. The job is hard, lonely, dangerous and often thankless.

All the time that I was thinking on this, I was also thinking of a son serving in Iraq now. While I fear for his safety and pray for his speedy return, I am proud of him and his service. He joined the Army freely, and purposefully, with pride and passion. He is like so many of those who serve today.

So, the next time you are busily going about your day and you run across one of these fine young men and women, please slow down and say thank you. It will be appreciated more than you can fathom, and you will be helping to defend the freedoms that we all enjoy, even those that we see others taking advantage of.

I thanked him. I told him that I believe that most Americans are thankful for him and his mates. I told him that I pray for all of our soldiers. I hope that I made a difference.