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Friday July 30,2010

The War

by Jim Balthazor

With three family members in Iraq I feel every day the worry that each family must feel during this time. Even as the war winds down. I watch the news and see the stunned faces of the parents that have already found out that their child has given his or her life. It is nothing new to lose ones life in war, but the pain, grief, and anguish that families feel doesn't diminish, no matter what the circumstances.

I read the paper. It gives a brief moment in a soldiers life telling how they are proud to be serving and understood the consequences of war. I know that I am proud of them for being there to see that we are free to do what we are capable of doing here in the United States.

I think back to a time when I was in high school and one of the nicest, quietest, most unthreatening kids in the world was drafted. He was in Viet Nam for only a couple of months before he died. I just couldn't understand why it had to be him - he was so gentle. The funeral was very sad, it was hard to go to, but I went to a private Catholic school and this soldier also attended the school. It was a big moment in my and everyone's life.

My father-in-law served in Italy during World War II. One night he got very sick and had to be placed in the infirmary. While he was there his barracks was bombed and all his friends and comrades were killed... strange how events work out.

Our youth have always given their lives so we can be free, but it doesn't make the pain go away, it doesn't diminish the hurt, or the loss. A parent loses a child and no matter how noble the cause, the loss will still live with them forever and it will hurt. I ask that if you know of anyone that is serving that you find out where they are and write them, send them a box of goodies, tell them how much they are appreciated.

Essay for one of our soldiers

My niece had to write an essay for class on who was her greatest hero. I thought what she wrote was worth passing on especially if you have someone involved in any conflict throughout the world.

A Soldier I Love

By: Chelsea Sevigny

Some people pick a singer, actor or an athlete. Not me! I am picking a soldier.

I love going to see her. She is so much fun to hang out with. She loves to go shopping. When we go shopping she buys me a lot of things. We always have fun. She always sings in the car and I sing with her. We always sing this Hawaiian song that is really funny.

Now she won't be able to do these things. She's getting deployed. I won't see her for a long time. She's going far across the sea.