Memorial Day

Ah Memorial Day, a great day to give thanks and to remember those who fought for our country. It's always been such a trivial holiday to me. I've never really thought much about it, but today I'm trying to delve into the deeper meaning of a day like Memorial Day.

If it wasn't for our troops I might not be able to do what I'm doing right now. I might not have access to the internet or to social media sites. If our government wasn't established and protected that way it has been, everyday life would be much different than the life I've come to love. I still have to register for selective service, which means I am able to get drafted if the U.S. ever uses the draft again. Luckily, unless we go into World War 3, I don't think that will be necessary. I am unbelievably thankful that we have enough willing soldiers to fight for our country.

For the longest time I though about going into the military after high school. I thought it was something I had to do before I could develop an opinion of a war or of a presidential candidate. I thought it was my duty to serve and protect the people in our country who can't protect themselves. Up until recently I still thought this, but recently I realized I can't. Not that I'm not physically capable, but I couldn't handle the demanding orders of others. I like to do things my way. I also realized that I'm too much of a thinker to be a soldier.

Over thinking in a combat zone would surely lead to my demise.

Besides being an over thinker, I feel like I have a different skill set that wouldn't benefit me in a war. There are kids who don't get good grades, who can't go to college, and who's only option is to serve our country. I have other options though. I got into a top notch school and can go get an education for the next four years of my life.

I don't want to come across as arrogant in that last statement. In my eyes there is nothing more noble than fighting for our country, so if that is what someone decides to do, I have nothing but the utmost respect for them. I, myself, don't belong in the armed forces.

I like the idea of fighting in the military much more than I'd actually like it. I like what Father Scott said on Friday. He said the military strips you of your ego and teaches you how to work as a team and as a unit. The military teaches you to depend on the guy next to you, because at the end of the day he has your life in his hands and you have his.

Fighting alongside a friend knowing that his life rests on the decisions you make is both thrilling and chilling. 

I'd love to experience that sensation, but I don't think I ever will.

As if the fighting isn't enough to be scared of, psychological disorders like PTSD scare the hell out of me. How can a soldier come back from Iraq where he has to watch out for roadside bombs and IEDs and settle back into a life in suburban America? That'd be one hell of a struggle.

I respect any soldier; man or woman who defends our country.

That's all I have for Memorial Day. Take some time and thank any veterans you know. I'll be sure to thank my Dad. Even though he never saw action, he was an Army Ranger stationed in Germany and if any conflicts broke out across the world he would've been on the front lines. Come to think of it, if any conflicts broke out, my Dad might not have made it home to meet my mom. That my friends, is a scary, scary thought. 


I'm grateful.

NP: Sing- My Chemical Romance