July Fourth

With the Fourth of July approaching and after watch the Military Channel too much I just had to express a few views of mine. Independence Day is the name give to the Fourth of July. Just what does this mean to me. First it means that I have the right to worship my God when ever and where ever I choose with out fear of danger. This also means that all others have the same right. Second it means that I have the duty of serving my country. For me it meant being in the Navy during the Viet Nam war. I was never close to a combat zone but I was around many who served in Viet Nam. I know this war wasn't popular with a lot of people but I have a lot of respect for those that served their county during this war. Third it means that I follow the law of the land and have respect for those that provide my family and I with the safety they provide. Police officers and firemen are true heroes. The risk they take for my safety should be enough for them to have a National holiday named for them.

Last summer my brother and I went on the Battleship USS North Carolina on a afternoon when the temperature was about 95 degrees. I had been on board twice before when the temperature was much cooler. This time after being on board only a few minutes I begin to have much more respect for the crews that served on board all the WWII ships. I was soaking wet head to toe. There was good ventilation, only a few people present not the 2000 that made up the crew, no steam boilers fired up, no kitchen stoves, no laundry going, nothing but it being a little warm outside. I don't know how the crew didn't go stark raving mad, but they didn't. They were just doing their job and I am sure that history will never see another generation that gave as much for their country. A few days ago I stopped at the War Memorial at Armco Park. While standing there looking at all the names listed I felt very small and overpowered by what the freedoms that these men have provided for me.

Yes, I know that regardless of whether we serve our country or not that everyone has the right and freedom to speak our opinions and worship as we please and to act however we want. I feel that if you haven't done anything to serve my country, then when a military veteran, police officer, fireman or anyone else that has served and is serving my country is present please take a step or two to the rear and stand there and pay your respect to those that have.