ON THE MARK

Ladies and gentlemen, I am no soldier. I’m not the kind of person to crawl around in the mud and duck behind sandbags on only a few minutes of sleep.

I couldn’t run so many miles with equipment that weighed more than I did. I couldn’t possibly be expected to know all about the chain of command, rules of combat, or intricate details of my rank or position. If I had no choice, in time I’m sure I would learn how to become a soldier and do all of which my country or commanding officer asked of me.

But I’m an American, and I have the option of choosing whether or not to fight and die for my country. Some people make that choice so we don’t have to.

Once again, I am no soldier, but I do have a lot of respect for any and all who have served in the military. This includes infantrymen, snipers, officers, medics and mechanics and service personnel like drivers and aides. Even the people who are away from the front lines yet whose work is invaluable to those fighting.

In my eyes, these people are protecting regular citizens like me and allowing us to live our life in peace. I may be naive or simpleminded when it comes to this. However, if a man or woman decides they want to protect their family or country and enlists so people like me don’t have to, they deserve my respect. It’s a selfless thing to do: fighting for the good of others.

Sometimes these soldiers or veterans are simply answering the call of duty. Sometimes they’re only doing what their country and government asks of them. Regardless, they’re out there fighting. I am aware that there are some people who do not like soldiers because of what their job requires them to do. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I cannot assume that every soldier is a shining beacon of patriotism and selflessness. No matter what their reasons are for picking up a rifle, pen, or what else for their country, it takes a lot of courage and determination to fight.

There have been several wars over the past years. World War I and II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and now the War on Terror, among others. I’ve met very few veterans in my life who have come from these wars. But the few I’ve met command such respect from me without even asking for it. These are men and women who have fought and sacrificed so much, and knowing that there are soldiers out there who are suffering because people don’t understand them or they’re having trouble getting back into the swing of normal life, just breaks my heart.

After World War II America treated its soldiers respectfully, especially with the start of the GI Bill. But in some of the wars that followed, some people stopped caring about our men and women overseas.

I’m not saying you should go out and enlist or become patriotic zealots. All I’m asking is for a little respect and a little recognition to be thrown a soldier’s way. Thank them for their service, respect their right for privacy, and above all else, treat them as you would any other human being.