America's military sustains freedom
With the passing of D-Day's 65th anniversary, I would like to take the opportunity to thank our military for sustaining the freedom we enjoy today. From those who thankfully came home, to those who sacrificed their lives, America would not be here today if it were not for your heroic efforts.
Being a nonmilitary person, I have no idea the bravery it takes to face the terrible onslaught of battle, no idea the mental fatigue associated with standing my ground as bullets and bombs cut down my fellow soldiers, no idea the anguish of never seeing a friend again. My stepfather and uncles did. They were young men when they enlisted during WWII.
One of my uncles parachuted behind enemy lines on D-Day at the tender age of 22, another stormed the beaches of Okinawa in the first assault; and another flew P-51's, compiling an impressive tally of destroyed tanks. Still another uncle was involved in military intelligence. No one knew what he did.
Fresh out of college, my stepfather flew B-17's over some of the most heavily guarded armament factories and oil fields in Europe. One of his best friends was a B-24 belly-gunner, a job for only the bravest. Never did they boast, rarely did they ever speak of the war.
Today's military is no less brave, but instead of facing dauntless armies, they face a misguided cause. There is a common thread between all military personnel that keeps this country safe from foreign aggressors. Each one has placed our life and liberty on their shoulders, keeping us safe while we go about our lives, oblivious to the demands put upon their souls.
No one truly wants war, but sometimes it is necessary to sustain freedom. Hopefully, all Americans will come to appreciate the efforts put forth by those who choose to defend this country and sacrifice their lives for the American dream.
To those men and women who do so, you have my undying gratitude.
Gary Lukens
Rolling Meadows