Independence Day

4th of July- ( sigh) This holiday creates a lump in my throat.

1776- we have declared our Independence as a Nation against British rule..at what price....

This is where the lump begins. I am profoundly proud of all those individuals, male, female, children, poor man, beggar man and slave who took up arms for the march of freedom. I am equally proud of all those who followed in their footsteps throughout the generations that have brought us to where we stand as a vital, powerful Nation today. This is not a political statement, but rather a statement to those who answer the "call" to arms from our Nation. Thank you.

A little melodramatic, no I don't think so. Have you ever asked yourself what it takes to serve your country in this "calling"? Does it take a certain amount of bravery, idealism, courage, or is it just a nudge in the pit of your stomach that won't stop nudging? If you managed to return in one piece, disabled , loss of a leg or an arm were you the lucky one? Does anyone ever really make it back in one piece from a place called war?

In my opinion, the answer is no, the sacrifices of all who participate is a lifelong sacrifice. They carry the faces and memories of their friends, comrades and enemies with them forever. Their families help carry the burden as bystanders only, never really understanding the psychological trauma they have endured and attempt to mask. The families are the supporters and can really only imagine their nightmares. They don't understand the sense of pride that grabs the soldier, Marine, corpsman, and the pilot when they hear the name of their company. No matter what generation is carrying on they will always be a part of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, Echo, Fox, Golf, Hotel....they are truly a "Band of Brothers." Experiences in combat bond men together like no other.

We talked tough. Conversations were laced with terms like "widow maker," "strike force" and "reconnaissance in force." "Yea, though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death..." the little ditty would begin. But God knew the truth, because it was to him we talked praying with each breath. We had not heard of male bonding but survived because of espirit de corps. We trusted each other with our lives. We needed to be alert, so we did not take drugs, saving our intemperance for beer in the rear area. It has been said that there are no atheists in foxholes. We discovered there were no racists there either.We were surprised by our bravery and equally surprised by how scared we were. We were profoundly changed. Some of us were changed by torn bodies, crushed psyches and broken spirits. Some of us were changed by what we learned. We learned about courage, determination, camaraderie, selflessness and an appreciation for living. ( Tim Lickness , 101st Airborne's Screaming Eagles)


It is a sacrifice like no other and I am deeply proud to be the daughter of a veteran of WWII, (Navy )and a sister of two Viet Nam veterans (Marines Corps, Army). These were and are brave men and all three have carried the scars of combat. Perhaps my brother Gene said it the best and I would like to quote him and honour him today:

Each veteran of combat has his own family of ghosts. These ghosts are formed in the presence of death and the enduring memory of companions lost. They hide, deep..deep in the folds and recesses of the mind. Here they create the dreams and nightmares that never allow us to forget the chaos of battle or the mutilation found in death. These ghosts of friends, companions and enemies did not leave this world in a pleasant manner. The crucible of war carried them to Valhalla on their shields and yet they live. They live with those who survived and the survivors feed and nourish them with their inability to forget. (Gene Bishop, USMC. Viet Nam, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines, Echo Co. Raiders.)

We do not take your sacrifice for granted, we quietly watch and pray for you and your emotional healing, which we can not even begin to comprehend. You are our sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, fathers, grandfathers, uncles, cousins, schoolmates, and friends. We love you and give you our support and deepest profound gratitude for your service to our country, our Nation....home of the Free and the Brave. Happy 4th of July to you all.