Modern Day Independence

I was reading a very touching and thoughtful blog posting about Independence Day by our commander who is deployed forward.

One of the most thought-provoking statements that was made was how similar, and yet how different, modern day times are from the Revolutionary War which established our Nation centuries ago....When the British attacked the Colonial Soldiers in the Battle of Bunker Hill, their large numbers and organized forces captured the Hill decisively...but at a great cost with more than 800 wounded and 200 dead. "While technically the fight ended as a victory for the British, in reality it was a strategic gain for the colonies because the cost was extremely high for the British and the 'rebels' were able to draw away and regroup and more so demonstrate that a relatively inexperienced and undersupplied force could stand against a much greater Army and survive."  Sound familiar? Do we now find ourselves on the hard side of "winning"...do our "gains" outweigh our seemingly daily, and often catastrophic "losses"? What will victory look like for us?

I will be honest, this is not something I ever would have thought about 1 year ago. Seeing war in a more personal light has really opened my eyes to a thousand different thoughts and perspectives. 

Our Commander goes on to say:

I have eloquently been reminded multiple times that “I don’t know what I don’t know,”-- but what I do know is this Independence Day is not like any other to me. I have read what the dictionaries and scholars say about Independence and Freedom but they don’t walk with us here or live with you at home. And as we travel and see acts of incredible bravery and heartbreaking sadness--- and as we continue to execute our duty—and as we continue to receive our Soldiers in emergency rooms and in ramp ceremonies I can tell you what freedom and independence means to me:

Freedom and independence is a life without tyranny; there are a lot worse things than war and they all start with surrender. Independence is a willingness to stand for something greater than oneself. It is a belief that there is a right and goodness in the world and that we have a responsibility to uphold those values at whatever cost necessary. Freedom means your country is governed by the rule of law and by leaders elected by the American people. Independence lets you have a chance in life if you are willing to take it. 1st Infantry Divisions’ motto “no mission too difficult, no sacrifice too great” has a bearing on what you do and is more than a saying to many here. “Don’t tread on me” is freedom and came at great cost. “All the Way” means a commitment to the peace of mind that comes with knowing that what you do makes a difference no matter how difficult the day.  The mottos and words are symbolized by the dirt stained filthy uniform on a hot and dry day, by worn out boots in the sand, by the early morning mission into a place that has no decency and with the fear and uncertainty it brings not knowing how it will end. Freedom and Independence is a Mother opening a letter or taking a phone call from her husband after he has been gone far too long. Freedom is the look a small child gives you when he slips his hand into yours when you finally come home; it is holding your wife because you finally can. Independence is a cemetery full of flag draped headstones and it is sons who believe in you when you tell them that you will come back.  Freedom is a knock on the door by three uniformed Soldiers telling you it is the sacrifice that you will bear for the rest of your life. Independence is the sinew that binds our nation and that we must never forget the responsibility that comes with such a gift.  Freedom is the physical and moral courage needed to stand when the world has gone to hell and no matter what you do, nothing makes sense. And most of all Freedom and Independence is walking off the plane knowing you did everything you could but there are those who cannot walk the off this ramp with you  ---no matter how much you want them too----and it is knowing you will never forget them.

As you can see, Freedom and Independence means so much to so many. We remember that freedom isn't free, but comes at a great cost. It is paid today, much as it was paid then: by those who willingly stand and make tough choices daily, by those who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice if necessary, and by those remain doggedly focused on the mission. We are thankful, this day, for Freedom...and for the timeless defenders of Freedom throughout the world.

May our own choices, actions and votes protect our hard-earned freedoms!
Let Freedom Ring!