If you are an American citizen, have you ever thought about the freedom you have? I don't believe I always think about it. Since I was born and raised a U.S. citizen, I have always known and perhaps taken for granted the freedoms that U.S. citizens enjoy: The freedom to say basically what you want; the freedom to travel wherever you want to go in this land; the freedom to practice whatever form of religion you want...you get the idea. Just look at the first ten amendments of the U.S. Constitution...our basic freedoms are outlined there, on paper.
Of course, freedom on paper doesn't mean much without something or someone to back it up.
Our nation has preserved its freedom thanks in large part to the millions of veterans who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. Military. These people have sacrificed much: time away from loved ones, jobs that are safer and pay better, and in some cases the ultimate sacrifice of laying down their lives.
It is not for us to ask why they do this - we should take the time to be thankful for them and what they do for us every single day.
I recently attended the funeral of a relative who was a World War II veteran.
Part of the funeral services included a military style salute. Seven veterans probably from the eras of World War II and the Korean Conflict were lined up with M1 rifles near the location where the coffin was to be interred. A U.S. Flag is draped over the coffin. After the priest gave the final blessing, the veterans raised their M1 rifles and fired off a 21-gun salute. I'm not a veteran, but I have fired guns on occasion. The sound of those rifles was very loud and impressive - it really made a statement. Once the rifles fired, the song of Taps was played.
During the playing of this mournful song, two veterans took the U.S. Flag from the coffin and slowly folded the flag. Then, the veterans took the folded flag and slowly walked towards the widow. They handed the widow the flag and ever so slowly and respectfully, they stood at attention and gave the widow a salute.
Then one veteran knelt to speak with the widow about how her husband served his country well and she should be proud as this nation is of his service.
I can't state the value of our veterans more eloquently than what they did in that funeral service. Period. I'm not even going to try. The only thing I hope you get from my meager words is how we should be grateful for these individuals, not just on Memorial Day or Veterans Day but every day.
Paul Heingarten is proud to be an American citizen.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Heingarten
Friday, July 13, 2007
US Marines - A Strong History Of Bravery And Service
The United States Marines are a highly specialized branch of the U.S. Military, known for their rapid deployment and amphibious warfare abilities. The mission of the Marines is triple-pronged; to defend or seize naval bases and other land operations as needed, to develop equipment and tactics that will advance the capabilities of amphibious landing forces, and to perform other duties as directed by the President.
Created on November 10, 1775 as the Continental Marines, this small force originally consisted of infantry soldiers who served aboard naval vessels, defending the ship, engaging in combat during landing and boarding actions, and manning any raiding parties.
Having been involved in every armed American military conflict since, the force quickly evolved. During the War of 1812, Marines participated in frequent frigate battles, which were some of the first American victories in this eventually lost conflict. Though they still fought, the Marine forces experienced decline and disorganization in the latter part of the 19th century.
It wasn't until the Spanish-American War of 1898 that the Marines entered what is often considered their formative years. During the conflict, Marines were responsible for leading forces ashore and were able to demonstrate their invaluable ability to deploy quickly. This was when the Marines seized Guatanamo Bay, a base still used today by the United States Navy.
The Marines continued to play a crucial role in the first World War, and would capture America's imagination and pride in the Pacific battles of World War II. Marines were absolutely essential to the success of difficult island battles such as Tarawa, Okinawa, and Iwo Jima, a seize made famous by the infamous flag-raising photograph that is so often used as a symbol of victory and military commitment.
Today, Marines are very focused on infantry development. Their philosophy emphasizes the importance of close combat, rather than depending solely on strategic bombing or more distance-oriented battle. Prized for their ability to deploy rapidly, their loyalty, and their proud traditions, the United States Marines are an integral part of the United States' Department of Defense.
Get a USMC Knife by Ka-bar Knives
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_J._Adams
Created on November 10, 1775 as the Continental Marines, this small force originally consisted of infantry soldiers who served aboard naval vessels, defending the ship, engaging in combat during landing and boarding actions, and manning any raiding parties.
Having been involved in every armed American military conflict since, the force quickly evolved. During the War of 1812, Marines participated in frequent frigate battles, which were some of the first American victories in this eventually lost conflict. Though they still fought, the Marine forces experienced decline and disorganization in the latter part of the 19th century.
It wasn't until the Spanish-American War of 1898 that the Marines entered what is often considered their formative years. During the conflict, Marines were responsible for leading forces ashore and were able to demonstrate their invaluable ability to deploy quickly. This was when the Marines seized Guatanamo Bay, a base still used today by the United States Navy.
The Marines continued to play a crucial role in the first World War, and would capture America's imagination and pride in the Pacific battles of World War II. Marines were absolutely essential to the success of difficult island battles such as Tarawa, Okinawa, and Iwo Jima, a seize made famous by the infamous flag-raising photograph that is so often used as a symbol of victory and military commitment.
Today, Marines are very focused on infantry development. Their philosophy emphasizes the importance of close combat, rather than depending solely on strategic bombing or more distance-oriented battle. Prized for their ability to deploy rapidly, their loyalty, and their proud traditions, the United States Marines are an integral part of the United States' Department of Defense.
Get a USMC Knife by Ka-bar Knives
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gabriel_J._Adams
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