The true American hero is one who serves their country despite the fact war is not always an easy decision. Because they have chosen honor and duty for their county. In good times and in bad times. They are the sons and daughters of one nation under God. Leaving behind normal routines and we their families are proud of their commitment.

The colors they stand for; one of red for the blood that was shed by all veterans; one of white symbolizing hope that our world will one day know peace and one of blue for the courage to serve our nation when called upon. May God’s speed keep vigil until you are safely back in Liberty’s arms once again…

This is my definition of those unsung heroes who fight on behalf of our American way of life. Those who serve when the call to duty may it be war time or in peace time. To the birth of our nation in gaining our independence from England to the last campaign in the Middle East.
These brave men and women choose honor along with duty as the ultimate profession of their citizenship. To go upon called upon whether it may be in war time or peace time.

Our Constitution proclaims Judeo-Christian values in standing up for what is good and true as professed by our founding fathers. It always been duty first in our nation’s call to arms in defending herself against the enemies of these values. Men and women from all walks of life have answered this call. It is matter of pride for a family to have their loved one enlist within the four branches of the military. Even when women could not enlist in past military campaigns they exceeded their dedication behind the scenes. The names of Molly Pitcher, Betsy Ross and Rosie the Riveter come to mind. These women contributed to victories in their own way.

How many military personal have shed their blood in order to retain liberty and freedom in our country’s name? How many are still fighting the good fight that is seen or unseen? Many stories are played out everyday, as a fallen solider comes back home in order to laid to rest. While a grieving family tries to make sense with their loved one’s service and death in a foreign land.

A family member lost his life during his deployment in Afghanistan. Jeff was on patrol with his battalion in the mountainous region, when an IED was set off in the Jeep in which he was riding exploded. His funeral I will never forget, the church was packed and overflowed out into the neighborhood he grew up in. When I see his mom, her eyes still carry the sense of loss and a sense of pride. He completed his mission, he fulfilled his duty with honor and dignity. He lives through his love of music with a yearly golf tournament that sponsors local high school music programs.

The symbol of hope is carried in everyone’s heart to ensure that peace can be achieved. In some ways we must ask ourselves, “Have we as human beings from both sides suffered enough?” Let us try to first start in our local communities a dialogue of peace. We need this hope; we crave this hope for our children and our children’s children.

Those who take take this oath when signing up for military service are taking the extra step in their American citizenship. They are courageous under the in hospital war torn conditions and their stories are interwoven into the American history books.

My sister Maureen will be retiring this year after serving in the army for 35 years. Between a tour of duty in Iraq she has been from one end of our country to another. In order to ensure her military personal was covered with the proper essential to do their job. She has seen war and the effects war has on a person. Her experiences relay many a soldier’s story in the profiles of their courage.

A military’s family greatest wish is to see their loved one back safe and sound. It is our job as citizens to ensure our soldiers are greeted warmly, admired greatly and honorably respected when returning home. Now that the 4th of July is upon us and now more than ever it is important to tell our heroes, “ I am glad you made it home, and thank you for a job well done.”