To lose a loved one is an unbearable trauma to experience. It feels as though a limb has been stolen from our body. A hole is concaved into our hearts. That hole never truly heals, no matter how hard we try to mend it. A piece of us is missing, and we have to figure out a way to pick up the pieces of our broken hearts and carry on; it seems impossible, but that is what is expected of us.

On Oct. 4, four families experienced the loss of their family members. Four military soldiers’ lives were lost in Niger. Four brave men who dedicated their lives to protecting and defending our country paid the ultimate price. One of the fallen soldiers in particular has been highlighted by the media due to the reported condolence phone call made by President Trump to Myeshia Johnson, the wife of fallen soldier, Sgt. La David Johnson. Johnson said President Trump’s comments to her regarding her late husband were cold and upsetting.

Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.), who was with Johnson when she received the call, defended the widow and admitted to hearing President Trump mentioning that Johnson knew what he was signing up for. To a newly renounced widow, hearing these words regarding her husband cut like a knife. However, are these words true? Did they actually escape the lips of our president?

Our recently elected president is known for being controversial in the media. We will never truly know the exact truth about these allegations. I have to hope that our president would be extremely considerate when dealing with such a delicate situation as this, involving our nations soldiers.

It seems natural for our media to focus on the negative; it brings in more ratings. I would like to see our media highlight more on the lives of the all of the fallen soldiers, and honor them in a way they deserve. They too were taken away from their families too soon while fighting for us, and only God knows why. Instead of wondering about the comments that were made by President Trump, I feel that we should be honoring those who lost their lives protecting us.

I believe it is only right that we honor our fallen veterans in way that will be remembered and worthy enough of their great sacrifice. Their families need to know that service and expense did not go unrecognized. It is important to we give due recognition and respect to those who fight for our country. Without them, and their willingness, we would not be where we are today.

To all servicemen and servicewoman, thank you. Truly, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your dedication and willingness to protect us. May God give you all the strength you need and the courage that is required to defend and protect our great nation. Thank you, and God bless.