Why do some people choose to wear a military uniform? The simple act of putting that uniform on signifies that they are willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice, death, for their loved ones and for perfect strangers. What must go through someone’s mind when they sign the papers and go through all the required testing to enter a division of our military?
My first reaction would be that they are crazy…maybe they’re running from something, or maybe it’s the only avenue they have to achieve an education. However, I think, by and large, these people are signing up and wearing that uniform because they have this intense need down in their gut to protect a nation they believe in with every fiber of their being. They wear that uniform to protect freedom for their family and friends…and by doing so they are doing that for millions of perfect strangers as well.
Can you imagine that, the willingness to walk into a place where you might die? I think most of us understand the magnitude to some degree but I don’t think we understand it like they understand it…or like their families understand it. If I leave this morning to go to a job site (I own a painting company, Update: I no longer have my painting company), but I do so knowing I may not return at the end of the day…how might I deal with that? Would my morning good bye to my wife be a little sweeter, and the hello at the end of the day be a little more memorable because I made it home alive? Think about their sacrifice…even those that don’t die in battle spend horrendous months and years away from their families.
Sacrifice. Giving. Helping. Protecting. Patriotism. Courage.
How might you live YOUR life differently if you knew you may not come home? They are leaving their mark every single day with their bravery, what are you doing to leave your mark? What can we do to be more appreciative of the men and women that wear a uniform, past and present?
I think we need a reminder each and every day, to LIVE our lives to the fullest. We need that reminder to appreciate how lucky we truly are, how brave those men and women are, and how their families are waiting at home trying to live their everyday life hoping that knock on the door does NOT come.
Live today. Live every day. Be happy…if you’re not, change something. Men and women are dying for our freedoms, don’t waste that, we owe them more.
Thank you to every single American that has worn a military uniform…past and present…THANK YOU!
This is awesome. Thank you.
Thank you Sherree, I appreciate that!!
So appreciate that you had the courage to write this as well. I don’t begin to understand how that feels. And, I’d be afraid to write about because of that – afraid that I’d handle their sacrifice in a way that was trite or patronizing – you show me Matt – that it’s just about our own earnest desire to express our feelings – our gratitude – thank you
Thank you Sam, I really appreciate that. Some times the right thoughts hit you the right way and you’re able to articulate your message because of that…that’s how I felt when I wrote this. These men and women are doing amazingly brave things for us, we owe it to them to not waste our lives.
Cheers!!