Happy Memorial Day!

Happy Memorial Day!

A few weeks ago Toby Keith came to Afghanistan and since it was both free and after work hours I had the fabulous opportunity of going to the concert. It was great and such a nice break from the sometimes rather mundane life of Bagram.

Then I started crying.

Toby Keith was singing American Soldier, which is a beautiful song but not one I’ve previously made a habit of sobbing to. This time though I stood in a crowd of real American soldiers; dressed in uniform, carrying guns, and singing along—

And I will always do my duty no matter what the price
I've counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice
Oh, and I don't want to die for you
But if dyin's asked of me
I'll bear that cross with honor
'Cause freedom don't come free

I'm an American soldier, an American
Beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take a stand
When Liberty's in jeopardy, I will always do what's right
I'm out here on the front line
Sleep in peace tonight
American soldier, I'm an American soldier

I couldn’t help but cry. I’ve always been grateful to those who have and are currently willing to fight for the freedom I enjoy but I can’t honestly say I’ve ever put a face to the uniform. The white grave marker signifying a fallen soldier has always simply been just that—a grave marker. Of course, seeing it fills me with gratitude and sadness but it has never been personal.

This Memorial Day is different. The American soldier is no longer faceless. I can’t help but know names. Recognize faces. Listen to their dreams and plans for the future. That night the soldiers sang along to very few of Toby Keith’s songs but they did sing along to American Soldier and they sang with pride and conviction. And I cried because I realized they were no longer faceless men and women risking their lives for my liberty. I guess you could say it was a combination of Toby Keith and Afghanistan that forced me to realize the enormity of the sacrifice that countless men and women have made for our great country and the freedom that both you and I enjoy. It has deepened my gratitude for those who have given up so much to ensure that our country remains ever free. Yes, this Memorial Day is different.