Da Goddess

200 vs 40, Part II

Why do I do it? If I believe the protesters have a right to express their opinions, why do I go out and counter them? That's what a some of you ask.

This is why.

I met two amazing people on Saturday.

This couple represents years of dedication, faith, and determination. Dedication to one another, to defending freedom, to an America that they know in their hearts still exists. They maintain faith in each other, in their fellow Americans, and faith that Good triumphs over Evil, when we're willing to do what needs to be done. They also have determination: to support each other, their country, their countrymen, and to remind us that all we have was hard won – and should never be taken for granted.

The woman proudly wears a homemade button, declaring herself a 50-year Navy wife. Without her support and love, her husband wouldn't have had a reason to come home. The man wears his heart on his sleeve. He fought for democracy, for justice, for America...but mostly to ensure that his family would always know the beauty that is Freedom.

They have many children. And fifteen grandchildren. Fifteen. They joined us in the counter-protest so that their grandchildren would see that, even while people disagree, one still must support the efforts of those who fight to keep terrorism from the shores and the heartland of our country.

They stood proudly beside us, as vivid reminders that everyone makes sacrifices in times of war. There were never any guarantees that this man would make it home from any of the three wars he fought. But she believed in him, in what he was doing. She knew that the greatest gift she could give him was love and support, and to be there upon his return.

World War II - a young couple who didn't have the luxury of spending much time together, before he was sent far away. Just starting their life together, there was only his promise that he would return. She didn’t know the moment that her husband’s ship was hit by a kamikaze that he had been injured, but she always believed he would come home safe – and he did.

Korea - while trying to raise a family, he was sent off once again. She tended the home fires, kept the children fed and clothed, reminded them to pray for their father, and maintained a brave face, even when she longed only to hold the man who held her heart.

Vietnam - facing the angry protesters, she maintained her composure and supported her husband as he was shipped off to fight far from home again. Never once did she falter in her belief that he was doing the right thing. Even when others looked down upon her, she remained dignified and strong. Her children did the same because that's what they learned from their mother.

Today - they could easily justify time spent at home in front of the television, resting on their achievements as parents/grandparents/veterans, yet they weren't doing so. Instead, they were taking the opportunity to make the most of the day. They were inspiring and guiding us. The greatest gift they give us is their firm belief that each and every member of the military deserves our support as they stand in Harm's way. The protesters want us to doubt the motives behind the war, but this couple reminds us that evil isn't always just in the hands of people far from us... sometimes it's in the message that Americans no longer respect those who are willing to fight to bring the precious gift of Liberty to those who live their lives in fear and oppression.

The words and actions of a few protesters should never be applied to America as a whole. While I do believe that we've become somewhat egocentric and selfish in our lives, on the whole, when it comes right down to it, Americans understand that we must make sacrifices in order to remain Free - except for the protesters.

The protesters shout "we want our troops home and we want them home now!" Our troops want to be home, too. But they want to be home when it's safe for them to leave a newly liberated country in the hands of capable leaders. Safe and able to defend themselves against those who want them to fail. Military families understand that as well. Do the job well the first time and you won't be called back.

Still, for the protesters, what they want is more important than the will of the people directly involved. The couple I met this weekend are reminders of a time when selflessness was the norm. They reminded me of that as I saw them stand, united, against the people who seek to impose their beliefs on others who never asked for their opinions.

This couple won't ever have to stand out there alone. I'll be with them. My friends will be there. They'll never be left to feel that their sacrifices were for naught. We know, and we are grateful. Not just to past generations, but to those who serve now. For the men and women who take up the fight today, we will be there to remind them that America cares, despite what the protesters would like them to believe. For the families left behind, we will be here, to help you through the hard times. There may be more protesters on the streets than Protest Warriors or any other group, but they do not represent the majority of this country. We respect our military. We support our government. We are proud - quietly so.

We believe in America.

And America is real – as real as the couple in the photo above.

Posted by DaGoddess at November 16, 2004 05:47 PM