What is the best way to honor those that have made this year's Fourth of July possible for all of us? How do we best show our appreciation for the incredible sacrifices people have made for America throughout its history? This week gives us a true chance to reflect on the brave men and women of our armed forces and show our appreciation for them.
I was inspired on this topic through a section in the Indianapolis Star newspaper called "Let It Out". This is a daily section of the Star where people can write a quick note about what is on their mind at that particular moment. Normally the section is filled with political irritation and popular culture remarks.
One day though, one person took a moment to say thank you. They thanked a random couple who had paid for their meal at a restaurant. They'd paid for a strangers meal presumably because at the table was a young man in a military uniform. The parent of the soldier said that another couple had offered to pay for their meal as well. It was their way of saying thank you to this soldier and the parent's gratitude was obvious.
What a wonderful way to show appreciation for our soldiers.
There are so many great ways to help out a soldier and show appreciation for what they do for us. Paying for a soldier's meal is a great gesture but not always practical. There are countless ways, though, to show our nation's finest that we care.
The United Service Organization is a great organization whose sole purpose is help boost troop morale wherever they may be. The USO has been a friend of our armed services since 1941. It does so in large part through visits from celebrities of all types, from athletes to media personalities. Everyday citizens like you and me can help out as well. Donating time and money to the USO is a great way to help out soldiers in need.
For many people, such as broke college students like us, giving money is not always an option. In that case, writing a letter of encouragement to a soldier is a wonderful way of saying that you care. In addition to sending letters, care packages are a great way of giving troops a small taste of home.
Take an hour out of your day and show our troops you appreciate what they are giving up to truly fight for our way of life.
The Fourth of July should mean more to us than simply an opportunity to do stupid things with explosives. It should mean a moment to stand back and recognize that we all truly live in the greatest nation in the world. We are blessed with everything we need, and when we do not appreciate what we have it seems to be a disservice to those who sacrificed to make it that way.
This week, write a letter to a soldier in the field, send a care package, give money to the USO or simply tell a veteran thank you. Regardless of whether or not you personally support the war, our troops deserve praise for the work they do.
Now that the Fourth of July has once again come and gone, let's try and keep in mind what it's all about.
Write to Alex at apcarroll@bsu.edu
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