|
AMERICAN SOLDIER - October 19, 2006
Todd is home after a year’s service in
Co. C, 505th Engineer Battalion, Combat
Heavy, of North Carolina National Guard.
I attended the Welcome Home Ceremony for
Operation Iraqi Freedom IV and was proud
to have the privilege of thanking these
soldiers for their part in defending our
nation. It is easy to become so involved
in day-to-day living and forget the
sacrifices that are made for us.
The song, “American Soldier,” by Toby
Keith, was part of the ceremony:
“I don’t do it for money, there’s bills
that I can’t pay
I don’t do it for the glory, I just do
it anyway
Providing for our future is my
responsibility
Yeah, I’m real good under pressure,
being all that I can be. . .
I just work straight through the
holidays
And sometimes
all night long . . .
Hey, I’m solid, hey I’m steady, hey I’m
true down to the core
And I will always do my duty no matter
what the price
I’ve counted up the cost, I know the
sacrifice
Oh, and I don’t want to die for you
But if dyin’s asked of me
I’ll bear that cross with honor
‘Cause freedom don’t come free
Beside my brothers and my sisters I will
proudly take a stand
When liberty’s in jeopardy I will always
do what’s right
I’m out here on the front lines, sleep
in peace tonight
I’m an American soldier.”
The invocation praised God for the safe
return of all soldiers. There were no
fatalities, although they were under
heavy fire many times during their
deployment. Every soldier performed
superbly and came home because leaders
made good decisions and each person
showed concern for their comrades. God
was with them at all times.
This is an army of men accustomed to
hard work in civilian life. Preparing
for the worst is second nature for them.
They know the logistics of making things
work. They were willing to put on the
uniform to preserve our freedom. The
group was made up of both men and women
in the age range of 18 to 55. The main
reason for joining the Guard was a
strong feeling of wanting to preserve
our American freedom and combat the
general threat of terrorism. Secondary
reasons were financial benefits and
educational opportunities.
Citizen soldiers have been defending our
country since its founding in 1776, but
there has never been an enemy before
with such disregard for humanity.
Today’s war on terror calls us all to be
ready.
The company flag was presented to a
member of the North Carolina
legislature, to be flown over the State
House in Charlotte.
The song, “Proud to be an American,” by
Lee Greenwood, completed the program, as
military personnel stood at the
appropriate time:
“I’m proud to be an American where at
least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who
gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and
defend her still today.
’Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this
land. God bless the U.S.A.”
The audience also stood behind them to
show their gratitude for taking a year
out of their lives to protect us. We
must keep praying that the conflict will
be over soon and all of our service
people will be returning to their
families.
|