thedrifter
07-04-05, 03:37 PM
Courtesy of Mark aka The Fontman
A time to honor true commitment
OpEd
Jacksonville Daily News
July 04,2005
Sometime amid the cookouts, fireworks and gatherings this Fourth of July, we hope everyone can pause for a few moments to reflect on the glorious freedoms we enjoy.Take a few minutes, too, to think about generations of our countrymen that have given so much to secure the blessings of liberty for us.
When Gen. George Washington and his ragtag band of farmers, merchants and sailors went to war against the mighty British army, they had no idea they were point guards for the emergence of the greatest nation in human history.
Since the first Independence Day, the United States of America has grown from its tiny 13-colony inception to an enormous country that spreads from coast to coast and embraces Alaska and Hawaii. Leading men whose only true weapon was their refusal to buckle under, to be subservient, to fit into someone else's idea of what their nation should be, Washington doubtless had moments where he wondered if he'd led his troops into folly.
Freezing, inadequately clothed, outgunned in both firepower and numbers, the colonists relied on the genius of their leaders and their own indomitable will to secure their freedom. Little would they realize that their insurrection would give rise to so much more.
Because our forefathers were men who refused to knuckle under to tyranny, the United States historically has been the defender of those who cannot defend themselves. Through its policies and its armed forces, this country has stemmed the flow of oppression in many parts of the world, while giving others the opportunity to build a future. It's something those who live in this area know from personal experience.
Onslow, Carteret and surrounding counties are home for many who served this country during some of civilization's darkest hours. Although their numbers dwindle, there are men here who saw the liberation of Dachau, hunkered down and hit the beaches of Tarawa, and witnessed death and destruction in places like Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal.
Others marched on frostbitten feet carrying their wounded comrades in a place called Korea during a conflict where the cold was measured in lost toes and enemy soldiers found dead in fields, frozen in position.
There were the men who died when a terrorist's bomb struck at the heart of this community. Many responded to that event in Beirut - some pulling the dead and wounded from the debris, some building a memorial so those men and their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
Men and women who work and live in Eastern North Carolina have participated in not one, but both Gulf wars. And at this moment, as this country once again celebrates its birthday, hundreds of families keep their faith alive for the safe return of their loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan, even as we mourn those who gave their lives defending our freedom.
People in this part of the state understand commitment and service - the same concepts Washington and his troops embraced. They know that for 229 years this country has prized freedom above all else: its value incalculable, its cost staggering, its effects intoxicating.
Freedom isn't simply a word. It's as real as Washington crossing the Delaware, the 2nd Marine Division fighting for their lives on the beaches on Tarawa, the Chosin Few shouldering their wounded buddies and fighting their way out of an unbelievably nasty situation.
It's in the rubble of the Marine Barracks in Beirut, the rockets launched from Navy ships during the Gulf wars, the chance for Afghans and Iraqis to go to the polls and vote in fair and free elections.
So, for a glimpse of what patriots look like, look no further than the military men, women and retirees who live in Eastern North Carolina.
They, like Washington and his troops, know all too well the true cost of freedom.
Ellie
A time to honor true commitment
OpEd
Jacksonville Daily News
July 04,2005
Sometime amid the cookouts, fireworks and gatherings this Fourth of July, we hope everyone can pause for a few moments to reflect on the glorious freedoms we enjoy.Take a few minutes, too, to think about generations of our countrymen that have given so much to secure the blessings of liberty for us.
When Gen. George Washington and his ragtag band of farmers, merchants and sailors went to war against the mighty British army, they had no idea they were point guards for the emergence of the greatest nation in human history.
Since the first Independence Day, the United States of America has grown from its tiny 13-colony inception to an enormous country that spreads from coast to coast and embraces Alaska and Hawaii. Leading men whose only true weapon was their refusal to buckle under, to be subservient, to fit into someone else's idea of what their nation should be, Washington doubtless had moments where he wondered if he'd led his troops into folly.
Freezing, inadequately clothed, outgunned in both firepower and numbers, the colonists relied on the genius of their leaders and their own indomitable will to secure their freedom. Little would they realize that their insurrection would give rise to so much more.
Because our forefathers were men who refused to knuckle under to tyranny, the United States historically has been the defender of those who cannot defend themselves. Through its policies and its armed forces, this country has stemmed the flow of oppression in many parts of the world, while giving others the opportunity to build a future. It's something those who live in this area know from personal experience.
Onslow, Carteret and surrounding counties are home for many who served this country during some of civilization's darkest hours. Although their numbers dwindle, there are men here who saw the liberation of Dachau, hunkered down and hit the beaches of Tarawa, and witnessed death and destruction in places like Iwo Jima and Guadalcanal.
Others marched on frostbitten feet carrying their wounded comrades in a place called Korea during a conflict where the cold was measured in lost toes and enemy soldiers found dead in fields, frozen in position.
There were the men who died when a terrorist's bomb struck at the heart of this community. Many responded to that event in Beirut - some pulling the dead and wounded from the debris, some building a memorial so those men and their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
Men and women who work and live in Eastern North Carolina have participated in not one, but both Gulf wars. And at this moment, as this country once again celebrates its birthday, hundreds of families keep their faith alive for the safe return of their loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan, even as we mourn those who gave their lives defending our freedom.
People in this part of the state understand commitment and service - the same concepts Washington and his troops embraced. They know that for 229 years this country has prized freedom above all else: its value incalculable, its cost staggering, its effects intoxicating.
Freedom isn't simply a word. It's as real as Washington crossing the Delaware, the 2nd Marine Division fighting for their lives on the beaches on Tarawa, the Chosin Few shouldering their wounded buddies and fighting their way out of an unbelievably nasty situation.
It's in the rubble of the Marine Barracks in Beirut, the rockets launched from Navy ships during the Gulf wars, the chance for Afghans and Iraqis to go to the polls and vote in fair and free elections.
So, for a glimpse of what patriots look like, look no further than the military men, women and retirees who live in Eastern North Carolina.
They, like Washington and his troops, know all too well the true cost of freedom.
Ellie