I wonder how many people realize that if there was no war...There'd be no America...

Huh?

See?...That's my point...People just don't seem to know...This country was founded through war...That's why you and I just celebrated the Fourth of July ;) ...We had to fight for our freedom, for our independence...



I mean...America would have still been here, of course...but WE wouldn't...

Regardless of how you feel about war, regardless of your opinion on our presence in Iraq, it is of the utmost impotance that you support our troops now. This is something that personally effects me because I have a Stepson that is in the Army and ships out to Iraq in August. I have two Stepsons that are in Basic Training now and one of them will more than likely ship over there as well.

I have several friends that were in Vietnam and the "reception" that they got when they returned screwed with them more than the actual action of the War.

It's a Soldiers' duty to fight a war, its the U.S. Citizens duty to support the Service Men and Women whole-heartedly before, during and after the war.

That's just about the best/truest thing that I've read in this entire thread....And Iniquity had some DAMNED good stuff ;) :cool:

The average age of the Infantryman is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's; but he has never collected unemployment either. He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and 155mm Howitzers.

He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must. He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop or stop until he is told to march. He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity.

He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry. He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts. If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job. He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime. He has stood atop mountains of dead bodies, and helped to create them. He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.

He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.

Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom.

Beardless or not, he is not a boy.

He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country FREE for over 200 years.

He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. He is only doing his JOB. Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood, sweat and tears.



The next time you curl up on your bed with the ac cranked up, soft pillow to lay on, stomach is not growling from hunger and right before you fall safely asleep, ask yourself 2 questions………






What is that “kid” doing right now?



Would you have the testicular fortitude and conviction such as he, to put your life on the line, knowing that at any moment an RPG rocket could tear you a new ass, or worse, after all is said and done, he could quite possibly return HOME to the same nightmare as the soldiers of Vietnam branded with names like "baby killer", "murderer"?

Go! Wow!

How elegant and powerful. Not that it matters, but did you write that, Iniquity? It was beautiful.

I had a friend from college go into Iraq. I sent him with my raven's pendant that I got in Ireland. He wore it too. He's home now, and will not (hopefully) have to go back.

Thanks for writing that, Iniquity. It was really great.

While I would love to take credit for it, I did not write it. I do not know the author, but they could'nt possibly have their eyes more wide open to see such things so vividly and be able to express them into words so powerful.

The only part I added at the end was the questions.

Well, thanks for sharing it, all the same. It was a really powerful read.:)

I have to agree...That was excellent...As well as insightful