4th of July Taken for Granted

As I prepare for my visit to Ft.Campbell, Ky Home of the 101Airborne Division. I get some extra cash to buy fireworks. One of the soldiers that was accompanying me mentioned how he hates 4Th of July and New Years Eve. I was taken back. I believe he was just as surprise as there was an awkward silence for a moment. Then he said let me rephrase what I mean; I hate the fireworks part of the celebration's. For a split moment I am taken back to war and I have unsettled memories of Iraq and Aghanistian.

I didn't realized how I take some of the simple things in life for granted. Fireworks for example. Sitting back and enjoying the bright colors, they do make a very loud noise. Its a sound that is not enjoyable to some soldiers. BBQ's are taken for granted too. One solider told me about how he was on a mission one 4th of July; and didn't get to enjoy the simplicity of "chill'n with friends." One said, " the thought of getting in my car and going ... Freedom to just get up and leave."

I was very proud of the company I was with. I kinda sat in silence with my thoughts. I realized that a lot of these soldiers were much younger than I. I understand it all now. Freedom; taken away from them, for split moments. I understand its a volunteer military, but you have to hand it to them. I could not do it. For the choice they made to defend our country at all cost; I Thank You.