A Fourth of July Story

Thought you might appreciate a different perspective on one of our most popular national holidays. Read this and remember our servicemen and their sacrifice. This comes from the wife of Harriett’s nephew:

Hey everyone. I was thinking about this Fourth of July and realized that most people view this day as a celebration of freedom, however there are those who view it quite differently, so I decided to share this story with you. I hope you enjoy it.

Well, it was Sunday night of this week and Robert and I were driving down our street and someone in our neighborhood decided to test out the fireworks early. As one went off he slammed on the breaks and panicked. The firework was certainly less frightening than the sudden halt of the vehicle to me. As soon as we got in the house he searched frantically for his MP3 player and headphones so he didn't have to hear them again. After the fireworks had stopped for quite some time, I told Robert that he needed to try and get use to them. I explained that he had to face his fear.

So, now that it’s July 4th and a million fireworks are going off around our house, I realized, after pondering, why Robert freaked out. The noise places him in war! It's not just the sounds that really bother him, it’s the memories and flash backs that come along with it. He feels like he is in the midst of a firefight in his own house.

He has told me stories of different situations and missions he has been on. I have heard of his friends being killed, the fire fights he has been in, and the most terrifying situations which he has experienced. The war on terror is much more than what you see on TV. This country should be a heck of a lot more focused on finishing this war the "right way" rather than contemplating on the next election.

I guess this 4th I want you to realize how the men and women serving this country are spending this Independence Day. Some like my husband are wandering from room to room in their house trying to escape the never-ending noise of fireworks so they can stop remembering war. There are also those like my brother Chris who are just beginning to serve this country and are not yet haunted by the sound, but someday may be. And last but not least there are those like my brother-in-law who are in the midst of war and are hearing the sounds of fireworks too- the fireworks of war. I want you to take a minute and listen to or remember the sounds. Picture yourself running for your life, or your best friend along side of you dying. Picture how frightened you would be. Take a moment to think about what our husbands, brothers, sons, daughters, sisters, mothers, fathers, cousins and friends are going through this day so that we can grill out hamburgers and watch the sky light up.

I realize now that Robert may never adjust to the 4th of July celebrations. I realize that I can't make him okay! I realize that Robert will always hear the sounds and his heart will pound and he will remember the dozens killed in his group when he was deployed. He will celebrate his freedom in pain.

I am sorry that this was quite long, but I hope that you are able to gain something from it. I felt like sharing, so I did. May God Bless America and our Troops!

Heather Baker

P.S. - If you ever doubt God’s presence in your life or just want to hear an amazing story, talk to Robert about his experiences in war. He is living proof that there is a God. His testimony is himself. Ask him to share with you how God showed He is always there for us, even when he seems so far away.