Our Troops . . .

Celebrating Our Independence, and the Men & Women Who Make it Possible

The Fourth of July is the day that we as Americans celebrate our independence. And while it's come to be a holiday that usually means fireworks, cookouts and time spent with family, we must never forget who we have to thank for that freedom to rest and relax: The troops.

America's independence was achieved and continues to be maintained by the brave men and women who volunteer for the armed forces. When they step up and put on a uniform, they put themselves in harm's way...risking the ultimate sacrifice so that you and I can live a quality of life that is the envy of the entire world.

I can remember a time in this country when a word like "patriotism" got people rolling their eyes at you, treating a love for your country as an outdated, nostalgic notion. Sadly, it took a tragedy like the 9-11 attacks to remind us of what our parents and grandparents knew far better and never forgot: Our nation is rare and precious—because of that, she is also vulnerable and must be protected and loved. We cannot afford to be indifferent or complacent because our enemies see our restraint and compassion as a weakness-we have been challenged once again, and I'm proud to say that America continues to stand tall.

Since the 9-11 attacks, we as a nation have new-found respect for our men and women in uniform...I'm just sorry it took such a vicious wake-up call to remind us what we should keep in our hearts and minds all along. Other nations need to make military service mandatory-in this country, we stand as the world's lone superpower because those with the right stuff stand up and choose to carry a gun and stand a post. We have the most powerful military on the planet and it's not because of weapons and technology-it's due to the character and commitment of our fighting men and women. A gun isn't noble, brave or courageous...but the American carrying it is.

Let us not forget that we are at nation at war-some of those fights have been declared (like the struggle in Iraq and Afghanistan), and some are happening more subtly, as with the growing threat of Iran and rogue terrorist states the world over. No one hates war more than a soldier-just ask one. But at the same time, no one knows better than a soldier that sometimes a fight is what's needed to save lives in the long run.

Yes, July 4th we celebrate our independence, so let's take special time today to think of those in uniform both here and abroad. It's the least we can do for those who selflessly give the most. We are who we are because of them, and I for one am eternally grateful.

-glenn

The above is written by Glenn Beck. I was a huge Glenn fan, and inveterate listener to his program daily, and an Insider on his website. (Wonder if my old posts are still there?) I haven't listened to much of talk radio for over a year now, to Glenn or anyone else. My Catholic radio listening is more important to me now. I liked a lot of Glenn's humor and comedy bits, but I'm just plain sick of the "news" which is mostly tragedy t.v. and stupid gossip anymore and all the yap on both sides is just so much blah blah blah. It gets to you, and before you know it ...it can 'ruin your day' if it's all you hear. I was a BIG news talk junkie. Radio in the day, FOX news at night. Fine if you can handle it, but too much information is a killer. People were much happier in the old days when news "took days" to get to you. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.

Life has been far more calm for me the past year . Catholic radio programs and EWTN feed me just enough now and blogging, well, it's my new favorite pastime. I meet so many dear people and learn a lot from others about the Faith. I read a lot more books and I pray a lot more now, too, and it's much healthier for my mind/soul. I get 'enough' news to know a little of what's going on, but that constant barrage was not helpful in my Christian walk. Some can take more than others. I took too much in for too long and I'd get so irritated and unsettled inside at times. But Glenn's essays were always very good, and many brought me to tears, for he's a great writer and a really genuine guy with a big heart. I've met him twice in person, and we even rode along on the caravan for the Rally for America when he left from Hard Rock Cafe in Dallas in 2003 up to Tulsa. I pray for him now. Glenn, come back Home to the CC. You're missed and loved!

susie