I am incredibly patriotic. I cannot, and I mean CANNOT sing the National Anthem without crying. Not tears, full on crying.
I don't know what makes someone decide to serve our country. Patriotism, a future free education, an escape, the need for discipline, a stop gap or lack of no direction and a paid future.
Did you know you might actually serve, be deployed, fire your gun and die? I have seen every movie (except Deer Hunter and Full Metal Jacket) and it is all the same at the end. A mission, something challenging the mission and then the end.
When I was married to Roc, we went to see Schindler's List. He was generally skeptical, critical and "here we go again" type observer. So when the movie got to the part of the red coat in the pile of an all black and white film, and he understood who had died, he walked out. I thought he'd gone to the bathroom, but no, he was sitting in the car crying and contemplating. I had no idea, but yet, I could't get it out of my mind.
Let's talk about "Saving Private Ryan". My father in real life, was Tom Hanks, right down to the job description. Crazy. I believe, every single high school student should be required to watch both of those movies.
We are in the most desirable country in the world. Yes we make mistakes. Yes we are over priced and have and elevated opinion of our products. We are free. California is crazier than New York. Idaho is amazing. Mt. Rushmore with the flag lowering ceremony every night is a must. Tears again, patriotism again. National anthem, fuget about it.
Why are people so angry with our government? Why do they say voting doesn't count? Why do the "Mexican's" escape to our country to try and make it "look" like where they just escaped from? Stop it. Be proud. Serve. Take pride. Appreciate what freedom has to offer and realize who made it happen.
African Americans, I'm truly sorry what our idiot forefathers did to you. It's done, over and everyone and his brother has apologized for it. We are in the now. The 200 years in the future. I've seen the TV specials. I've heard the speeches and I truly believe Martin Luther King Jr. was a modern saint. Embrace it. Quit reminding us. Move on.
Back to the military. You defend enemies abroad and in our own country. You are judged, called names and expected to die. I don't know what is deep within you. Love of country, or no one would notice and care if you die. I care. I don't know you personally and it doesn't matter. What I know is that I'm here, voting, wearing ridiculous clothing, paying taxes, saying what I wish without prosecution and making my own money because of you. Thank you Abraham Lincoln for the first and most important battle. Thank you Franklin D. Roosevelt. Thank you Ronald Reagan, thank you to all those represented in the Tomb of the Unknown soldier.
Quit blaming those before you. Accept the present. Be accountable to the future. Respect those that fight and defend. Praise God. Be respectful. Live.
