I realize that not everyone shares the same views or beliefs of what our United States military is, does and stands for. In fact, some people may pose the question, “What has a soldier ever done for me?” With the Memorial Day holiday upon us, I wanted to write something to help bring to light just a few examples of what our soldiers have done for us. So here's hoping that the next time you hear someone ask what a soldier has ever done for them, you will share this with them.
What Has a Soldier Ever Done?
A soldier endured six to twelve weeks of constant drilling from sunup to sundown, being yelled at, calisthenics at all hours of the day and night, living in closed, tight quarters with dozens of other soldiers, knowing that if one of them makes a mistake, they will all pay. Six to twelve weeks of this while we attended school, enjoyed recess, went to college or reported our job.
A soldier left behind his family and friends to go live in a foreign country for only God knows how long while we had picnics with our families, partied with our friends or rocked our babies to sleep each night.
A soldier lived in a tent or a foxhole in the desert for months on end while we sat in our air conditioned homes and offices.
A soldier ate military rations while we enjoyed home-cooked meals, dining out in fancy restaurants and grilling on the weekends.
A soldier wore full military gear seven days a week while we got to dress up for a night out or wear our favorite jeans and t-shirt.
A soldier fought against the enemy, dodging bullets, bombs, avoiding landmines and roadside IED’s while we argued with our parents about curfew, or sat in a board room discussing the profits and/or losses from last quarter.
A soldier marched wearing heavy military-issued boots while we ran our 5K’s wearing our Nike’s or went to the beach wearing our flip flops.
A soldier attended a church service held in a tent or barracks and prayed that he would make it home to see his family again while we attended church in a fancy building and passed the collection plate to help those less fortunate.
A soldier lost an arm or leg or eye, while we swam, hiked or danced.
A soldier flew home beside several of his comrades…all of them in a wooden box draped with the American flag. These soldiers gave their lives so that we may continue to live ours.
~Ruth McDonald Mair~
5-27-16
God bless our all of our soldiers, but especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
What Has a Soldier Ever Done?
A soldier endured six to twelve weeks of constant drilling from sunup to sundown, being yelled at, calisthenics at all hours of the day and night, living in closed, tight quarters with dozens of other soldiers, knowing that if one of them makes a mistake, they will all pay. Six to twelve weeks of this while we attended school, enjoyed recess, went to college or reported our job.
A soldier left behind his family and friends to go live in a foreign country for only God knows how long while we had picnics with our families, partied with our friends or rocked our babies to sleep each night.
A soldier lived in a tent or a foxhole in the desert for months on end while we sat in our air conditioned homes and offices.
A soldier ate military rations while we enjoyed home-cooked meals, dining out in fancy restaurants and grilling on the weekends.
A soldier wore full military gear seven days a week while we got to dress up for a night out or wear our favorite jeans and t-shirt.
A soldier fought against the enemy, dodging bullets, bombs, avoiding landmines and roadside IED’s while we argued with our parents about curfew, or sat in a board room discussing the profits and/or losses from last quarter.
A soldier marched wearing heavy military-issued boots while we ran our 5K’s wearing our Nike’s or went to the beach wearing our flip flops.
A soldier attended a church service held in a tent or barracks and prayed that he would make it home to see his family again while we attended church in a fancy building and passed the collection plate to help those less fortunate.
A soldier lost an arm or leg or eye, while we swam, hiked or danced.
A soldier flew home beside several of his comrades…all of them in a wooden box draped with the American flag. These soldiers gave their lives so that we may continue to live ours.
~Ruth McDonald Mair~
5-27-16
God bless our all of our soldiers, but especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
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