I Salute the American Soldier

I Salute the American Soldier

Update (16 YEARS AFTER ORIGINAL POST): 

Today, I reflected back to a day over 16 years ago when my three boys and I were at the dentist in Brandon, MS.  I filmed them walking through a field of flapping flags that snapped to attention as the wind whipped through the rows and rows of American Flags. 

The city of Brandon allocated a large stretch of land within the town and displayed THOUSANDS of flags, in honor and memory of the soldiers who were fighting in the first Gulf War, as well as a memorial to those who had died and paid the ultimate price.   

In this video, my youngest child Avery was three. This year he graduated from high school and plans to enter college in the Fall and major in Software Engineering.  My middle child, Alex, is married with a B.S. Degree in Nursing, specializing in dialysis, and my oldest son, Andrew, is also married with a B.S. Degree in Industrial Engineering.  It is humbling to think that without the sacrifice of so many young men and women, my son Without the sacrifice of so many in this war and all the wars before, my three boys would not have had the opportunity to follow their dreams.  

I say, “Thank you,” to every soldier, every mother and father, every husband /wife, as well as the children they left behind, who defended our country and the rights of all men to be free from terrorists and tyranny. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your service to our country.  

Truly, each of you are heroes. 

Previous posts since 2003

Update in 2011 to Original Post from 2003:

Watching this video, filmed of my boys in 2003, brings back memories of days gone by, as well as memories of many of my high school seniors who have, since that day, gone to war.  Now, 11 years later, my boys are almost grown. 

I would like to say "thank you" to every soldier who has fought in the name of freedom so that children around the world can continue to pursue their dreams.  I am blessed to be living in the United States of America. 

So, on this day, July 4, 2013, I would like to salute the American soldiers who have taken time away from their own families to go overseas, as well as to the families who have had to go on with their day to day lives without them.  Some soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice and there are no words worthy to write that would convey my gratitude and respect for those men and women who died as heroes defending the freedoms we enjoy today.  In my feeble attempt to say "thank you," I would like to post this video in honor of all of the men and women in the USA armed services.  I salute you.  -A. Adams

Original post from 2003:  Thousands of flags blew in the wind with yellow ribbons winding around the poles on a fall day in Brandon, MS. My boys and I had been at the dentist, and the receptionist suggested we check out the exhibit. It was sobering and made me thankful for the freedom we have and appreciative of the sacrifices made for us to be free. 

Update to post, 11 years later: Now, eleven years later, my boys are almost grown.   My oldest son is in his 3rd year at MSU, studying engineering; my middle son is a high school senior, and "my baby," is now a 7th grader.  My children can follow their dreams in a land that is free from dictatorship and communism.  By the grace of God and our soldiers who fight for this freedom, my children can continue to pursue the goals they have set for their future.   I'm thankful for our American soldiers, as well as soldiers across the world, who fight in the name of freedom, so that my children, as well as children all over the world can live their dreams without the constant threat of terrorism.