I Do Not Know You
Posted: Wednesday, January 31, 2007
by Chuck Stidham
I do not know you! I see you everyday on television, in newspapers, magazines and even on the internet; I do not know you
Are you in Afghanistan or Iraq ? Are you from a small town in Kentucky or Tennessee , a farm in Kansas or Oklahoma , or from a big city?
You are always dressed the same; wearing camouflage fatigues, a helmet, carrying a huge load on your back and a weapon in your hands.
Many of the helicopters I see have huge Red Crosses on them, and when you are being carried on a stretcher, I do not know you.
Are you red or yellow, black or white? I cannot tell because you all look the same, with your faces obscured and identity hidden by your helmets?
I see you cautiously walking the streets of Kandahar , Karbala , Faluja, Baghdad , or in the Anbar Province , ever mindful of the danger that lurks beyond every building and every corner.
I see you in the midst of hostile fire, a rocket attack or searching for a roadside bomb; you are always there, in danger.
When others run from hostile fire, you run toward it.
I see you when you return safely from war and into the arms of your loved ones.
I see you when you are being transported from a hospital in a war zone and onto airplanes as you commence your journey home to recovery.
I see the Holiday Wreaths on grave markers at Arlington National cemetery, and other cemeteries around the country.
I see your blood, your sweat and your tears.
I cannot feel your pain.
I see your patriotism, your honor and love for our country. I DO KNOW YOU.
You are a member the Armed Forces of the United States of America . You are an American hero.
Copyright Chuck R. Stidham 2007
This Article has been viewed 229 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.