Freedom's Sacrifice

I haven't blogged about my brother, Jake, in quite a while. Not because I haven't had a lot on my mind as it pertains to him, but simply because I've barely been able to put those millions of thoughts into a blog post.

As you may recall, he's 8 months into his deployment in Afghanistan. I can tell you without a doubt that war absolutely sucks. I think most people might agree from the outside looking in that war stinks, but (with all due respect) until it personally affects your family -- you can't truly feel the enormity of it's impact.

Recently, he was here on his 15-day leave. During his time here we did a lot of talking about his war stories, what his realities are and how little people actually know about what goes on there. I've spent a lot of time thinking about those things that we as Americans don't really know about war and I've come to the conclusion that, sadly, we don't know because we don't really want to know.

For example, we were out one night with some friends. Some girls came up and started some small talk with some of us. During the course of the conversation it came up that we were celebrating Jake being home from Afghanistan. These girls, who really weren't "girls" -- meaning young, little people. They were old enough to be married. They asked, "Soo, he's at war??" I said, "yes." Unable to wrap their minds around this three-letter word, they asked again "Like, he shoots guns????!"

Those of you that know me well, know that it took a lot not to curtly reply "Really? Of all the things you want to know about war, all you can think to ask is whether or not he actually shoots guns? I mean, you wouldn't ask a doctor if he actually encounters sick people or if a fireman actually has to put out fires. "

This is what I'm talking about. These girls we met don't know anything about war simply because they haven't made time to apparently turn on their TVs to anything other than Desperate Housewives. And ultimatley we all make time for what we want.

I finally said, "yes, the war in Afghanistan requires that he occasionally shoot a gun."

I'm going to be totally frank here and I know my opinion is not fact. But, it's my humble observation, that for the large portion of the population July 4th is just another national holiday. Another excuse to plan "something to do". A great reason to fire up the 'ole grill, pop the top on a cold one, head to some favorite vacation destination, maybe even dust off that American flag and hang it on your front porch. But that's where it begins and ends. Maybe they'll reflect for a minute on the true meaning of July 4th when they're at the fireworks display and "I'm proud to be an American" plays. "That's right! I am proud to be an American! Where at least I know I'm free."

Don't get me wrong, none of these things in and of themselves are wrong. It's equivalent to thinking Easter only has to do with eggs and bunnies and Christmas is simply about Santa and presents.

Celebrating a holiday and denying its hard-truth, history is where it becomes wrong. To only know that you are free, minimizes the on-going sacrifice that "freedom" requires.

Sure all these men today joined their branch of service in and of their own free will, but that doesn't escape that there is an impact involved in their service that spans beyond that soldier. I just wish people knew what I now know...what all military families now know. War is real. ...which includes (gasp) fighting and sometimes even death.

So fly your flag, but do it for more than just because they day calls for it. Make a point to know more about the sacrifice serving our country and defending our freedom requires.

Have you spent any time thinking about what freedom means to you? What freedom looks like in your life? What the difference is being an American versus any other nationality? What better time than today!

Before you do think on this: there are soldiers that walk everywhere...up and down the treacherous terrain of Afghanistan carrying 90+ lb packs, their guns and ammo. Sometimes those walks can cover upwards of 13+ miles -- that's a half marathon in case you weren't aware. Some soldiers are forced to work and go a day or two without sleep and when they do sleep it's outside; some go weeks without access to talk to their families; most have bullets whizzing by their heads, bombs exploding at their feet and friends that have become brothers and sisters dying right in front of their eyes. War is real. The sacrifice is real. Think on that and be thankful they're willing to do that -- for YOU!

Freedom isn't free! Do something today to honor that freedom you enjoy provided by those who sacrifice some much.