Every freedom that we, as Americans have, we owe all to our military services! If it weren't for the brave men and women who have served our military and died for our country, we wouldn't be able to enjoy the freedoms we have or the quality of life that we have. I am absolutely disgusted when I hear someone say that they support our troops but not the war, or that they won't support anyone who joins a group of "baby killers." I get tears in my eyes when I see a man or woman who has served our country, being disrespected or shuffled off to the side, instead of honored for their service and sacrifice.

Our military men and women don't serve our country for money or because they want to go to war. They do it because they feel obligated and honored to serve and protect our country. These men and women do jobs that most of us civilians could never fathom, they see things that most of us don't even see in our nightmares. Not by their choice or because they are warmongers, but because they are serving and protecting FREEDOM. In my opinion, our service men and women aren't paid enough for the jobs they do... But what price could we put on freedom or the defense of it? No amount is enough.

I am heartbroken every holiday that goes by, knowing that there are men and women in other countries, far from their families and friends, serving in war or in other ways, to protect our freedom or the freedom of others who aren't blessed to live in the country that we do. What a lonely life! Yet, the majority of our service men and women don't view it as a hard price to pay, most are glad to pay that price. They aren't gung-ho to die for us, but they're willing to lay down their lives or put their lives on the line for us, if that's what it takes.

I want to stand proud and salute every American man and woman who has bravely and selflessly served this country, who have sacrificed their lives or given their time and effort to defending our freedom. I see bumper stickers and tags of veterans, and just want to flag them down and say "Thank-you so much". Thank-you for caring enough to defend our country and serve it, thank-you for being willing to lay it on the line, thank-you for honoring us with your service. What a gift these men and women give us, as Americans, as a people. And I don't think that they are thanked or honored nearly enough for their services or sacrifices.

While there are those who are sitting here in comfort, complaining about the war and how useless it is or how needless it is... There are our men and women, living in discomfort, going without sleep or proper food, living in danger on a day to day basis... All so we can have the freedom to complain about the very thing they are doing!

And for those who think our soldiers are nothing but "baby killers" or doing nothing but killing innocent civilians, I know better. You see, my husband is a United States Army Soldier, and he's a wonderful husband and father... He would never harm an innocent child or person. I know this in my heart, and know that his comrades are the same. I'm a proud Army wife, and I can't thank my husband enough for his service to our country. He's not doing his duty just to our country, he's also doing it for me and our children.

Think before you speak, and remember, when you're talking badly of our service members, you're also talking about someone's husband, brother, father, son, wife, sister, daughter, mother, cousin, friend, etc. These people are willing to defend your right to talk about them or their service, the least you could do, is honor their sacrifice and service.

Learn more about this author, Samantha Vee.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Why it's important to honor America's military services?
We want to hear your view. Write now!