Growing up, Independence Day was one of my favorite holidays. I remember running around with my cousins in our back yard, sparklers in our hands, with our parents watching us as they conversed about whatever. Towards the end of the night we'd gaze at the dark sky as the fireworks lit up the quiet night. At the time, that's what the holiday was for me, a time to have fun with my family. However, I didn't understand what sacrifices had to be made for us to have those times of solace.
As the years have passed, we, as a country, have largely forgotten what the true meaning of every holiday stands for. In the case of Independence Day, we often see fireworks, barbeques, and carnivals flooding the environment. However, at its core, these services have very little to do with the holiday. Independence Day is about our individuality as a nation. This holiday is a reminder to its citizens of the freedom we sought during its founding. Thus, in celebrating this holiday we specifically remember those who fought, and continue to fight, for that peace.
The community of residents here at beatitudes are among the many who faced such challenges and helped pave the way for my generation to be so privileged. It's because of your passion and sacrifice that I've never had to worry about being drafted for war, I can go to any school I choose, I'm not segregated in any location I enter and I can sleep at night knowing I'm safe. These are such luxuries that we often take for granted. Somewhere, in another country, there's an individual who's in constant fear of being taken away from his family. Constant fighting is erupting outside his home and he doesn't know how much longer they will be safe. We have it lucky here in America and we owe a great deal of that to our military forces.
I have several friends and family in the military, some have seen combat. When asked why they joined, they all give a similar answer which related to protecting something they cherished. This can be related to last week's main article written by the late Don Fausel. He spoke of the term “ikigai” and its meaning being your sense of purpose in life. For these individuals, and I'm certain for many others, they share the same feeling. As a country, we've depended on our soldiers for so long to keep us safe. Likewise, they wake up every morning ready to fight for those who can't fight for themselves, all while fighting for their own lives.
For almost a month, the 3rd floor of the Plaza South Lounge was decorated with memorabilia from almost 20 residents here on campus from their time in service. Purple Hearts, Medals of Honor and Silver Stars garnished the room as you contemplated, “what's worth fighting for” in your own life? Once again, a huge thank you to all the veterans and current serving military forces. You do not receive enough praise and we owe a great deal to you. You fight for our freedom and keep us safe. My prayers are with you. God Bless.
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