Our very own Capitol Building from my page experience in Olympia! Not exactly "star-spangled", but still a picture of America! 

Happy Independence Day!

I thought it would be a great idea to post an essay that I wrote for the VFW contest last fall. Enjoy your fellowship and the fireworks, but don't forget why we even have the holiday! Praise God for the freedoms we have and the country we have been allowed to live and prosper in!

Here ya go:

CELEBRATING OUR NATION’S INDEPENDENCE

Celebration. Every American loves a jovial, exciting celebration. It is transparently seen in our culture. Celebration implies a definite reason to be encouraged and to share enthusiasm with others for a success. True, we have much to celebrate when reminiscing of veterans. America has been involved in many wars from the historic fight for independence to the current effort of spreading freedom. Their dedication and willingness to sacrifice all is undoubtedly worthy of praise! By keeping them in our thoughts and hearts and never taking freedom for granted, we can honor them.

But, time has brought a frightening unawareness. Children grow up learning to complain and rebel. How can apathetic, grumbling people appreciate a monumental sacrifice? On days set aside to specifically honor veterans, they merely see the opportunity to lie in bed a few hours longer. Many contend it is due simply to ignorance. Not so! We, as a nation, nonchalantly accept our freedom as a right. Like many other citizens, I used to believe I deserved and was guaranteed freedom. God and even common sense say otherwise: freedom is a gift! The founding fathers knew and lived by that truth! Today, few, like the men of the Third US Infantry at the Tomb of the Unknown, are an example. Every day their rhythmic marching drills the somber reverence into visiting American souls.

So, what is the answer? Are veterans more honored by sober memorials or impassionate rejection? The answer seems all too obvious. But, at the same time, how can militaristic ceremonies alone truly respect veterans?

There seems to be a great need for passion. Passion causes man to become more than ordinary. By having passion about the gift of life from a sinless, infinite God and from the surrender of fellow mankind giving a similar treasure, we credit our beloved veterans far beyond what thought possible! The passion that comes with living each day respecting past sacrifices, supporting present endeavors, and becoming future activists is missing.

Many still respect our veterans, but, something else so instrumental in the past is also missing in our day and age: support. The single, most important drive behind our service men and women is support! People are so bitter about the length of Operation: Iraqi Freedom. What if that was the case during the World Wars? Compare these facts: Japan bombed Pearl Harbor; Terrorists “bombed” the Trade Towers. Only a few decades ago, President Roosevelt called this great nation to action, “Where religion and democracy have vanished, good faith and reason in international affairs have given way to strident ambition and brute force…The United States rejects such an ordering…There comes a time in the affairs of men when they must prepare to defend not their homes alone but the tenets of faith and humanity on which their churches, their governments, and their very civilization are founded…To save one we must now make up our minds to save all.” The Americans of that generation responded. War efforts could be seen down the streets and avenues of every state! Just by looking at the hopeful faces of citizens, one could clearly see their determination and spirit! How disappointed the veterans must be to see the change that has taken place. President Bush called us to action. Where is it, a little yellow ribbon; a patriotic flag on the car? That is the extent of our once-proud American support? Our petty attacks on the government are not giving troops much to fight for! Sometimes I feel so helpless because I cannot change this alone! Why are we not supporting one-hundred percent the men and women who will become our next generation of veterans?

To truly celebrate the veterans of the past, we must pass on their spirit of optimism and pride to every generation. It concerns me deeply to know involvement in the military may someday be considered unimportant and part of only a political intrigue. I want to become a small part of the gloried troops, not for recognition, but in respect of those willing to do the same for my generation! Through my own remembrance, passion, support, and service I will celebrate! May I always share this celebration with others and thus turn our blessed nation around with the magnificent hope of the future!