Patriot s Pen Essay ~ Why I Appreciate America s Veterans - Vincent Lam

Transcription

1 Patriot s Pen Essay ~ Why I Appreciate America s Veterans - Vincent Lam The American Armed Forces have defended the United States of America since the establishment of the United States Military in Even before the American Revolution, volunteers risked their lives to defend our natural rights. Today, people join the Armed Forces, because they believe in the responsibility to fight for liberty and justice. Veterans valued American patriotism, therefore dedicating their lives to protect and serve this country. In addition to Veterans Day, we should all appreciate those who served for our country every single day. Many veterans returned to their families and homes as changed individuals. These men and women enlisted to fight in foreign countries along with our allies against the opposition. They track down enemies, maintain peace and order, and willingly put their lives at risk. The impact of wars can have drastic physical and profound emotional effects on veterans. Some lost a friend, colleague, or loved ones in combat. Others suffered from permanent injuries, while many experienced post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and or suicidal tendencies upon returning home. These soldiers faced extreme difficulties integrating back into society to find civilian jobs. Oftentimes, the general public does not realize that a stranger, friend, associate, or neighbor could have been a veteran. As United States citizens, we must support and respect those who fought for American values and freedom. We should reflect how much soldiers sacrifice during times of conflict, while ordinary citizens continue with their daily routines. Until I wrote this essay, I took freedom for granted. I am disappointed at how often I failed to thank veterans for their services, because I did not truly understand their contributions. Being the first generation in my family to be born and raised in the United States, I do not have to worry about war in our own backyard. Due to this, I am proud to live in a free nation where I owe this privilege to the veterans, people who sacrifice a part of their lives for complete strangers. Veterans are an elite class of role models; they are a valorous and inspirational group of people, who defended the general population, putting their honor in front of their lives. People should thank every veteran they encounter, because veterans are the true heroes of our country. All Americans should give their reverence and gratitude to the people capable of things beyond the ordinary citizen. Why I Appreciate Veterans? - Connor Milmoe I appreciate veterans for a number of reasons. One of the most respectable things they do would be that they risked their lives in order to protect their country s freedom, and their country s people. They are willing to sacrifice their own lives to give us freedom. Countless men and women die on foreign territory, and they, knowing the consequences, still give it their all to protect our freedom, even if it means ending their own lives. They put their lives on the line to make ours better. My grandfather served in the Marines from 1960 to 2002 when, against his wishes, he was forced out after 42 years of service. He fought in the Vietnam War and the Gulf Wars. He told my father, brother, sister, and me he would never allow any of us to ever serve in the military if we ever wanted to have families, as veterans sacrifice interactions with their family, too. When someone thanks him, he says Thank you for allowing me to serve your country. When someone joins the military, they sign a blank check which includes their life and states they will protect their country at all costs until death, and it has no money or time value. They give everything without ever once asking for anything. Veterans can be represented with the statement Some gave some, some gave all; some were wounded, some killed, but everyone gave something. In my opinion, veterans are heroes of their own kind, as veterans all fight for a common cause; it is absolutely impossible to say how much we appreciate their acts of selflessness and bravery. The least we can do is say thank you whenever we see one. Whenever something threatens our country, they don t think twice about defending us. Words cannot describe how much we thank them. No matter what the situation, they are always there for us. In the end, our freedom, our rights, even our lives, are all thanks to them.

2 Why Should I Appreciate Veterans? - Sean Yetter O say does that star spangled banner yet wave. O er the land of the free, and the home of the brave. It is ineffable how greatly these lines from our national anthem describe why we honor and celebrate veterans. Most people think the horrible, not to mention life threatening, conditions on the battlefield make veterans honorable and worth the gratitude we give them. Veterans marching into the unknown and having to live with the fact that they watched some of their best friends get killed are just some of the countless reasons we appreciate them. Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die. -G. K. Chesterton. Soldiers are constantly battling uncertainty. They are almost always in a state where they have little to no idea of what is coming next. Yet somehow they continue to march on, continue to put their lives at risk, continue to fight the enemy, continue to fight injustice. Most people would be incapable of continuing on. Those special few who could are those we call veterans. Dear Lord, lest I continue my complacent war, help me to remember somehow out there a man died for me today. As long as there be war I then must ask and answer, am I worth dying for? - Eleanor Roosevelt. Soldiers are not fighting with brand new strangers every day, they make friends and then they make more. Some of those friends, unfortunately, die in the battle for liberty. This can take a serious toll on a soldier. Loss causes some very rough conditions stretching far beyond regular sadness. Losing a friend in battle can lead to things like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and even Depression. It is truly saddening to learn of or know people with either of these conditions. The fact veterans would risk mental stability for us is truly inspiring. Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it. - Thomas Paine. This really sums up why we honor and appreciate veterans. Veterans are those who go through the fatigue Paine talks about. They do not just undertake such a thing just for themselves, but for the prospect of our freedom and liberty. For this we are forever in gratitude of them. Why I Appreciate Veterans - Tyler Johnson First of all, what s a veteran? A veteran is a person who took risks and made sacrifices for our country. They chose to put their lives at stake for our country. They have suffered for our country, and without them, we wouldn t be free right now; and what is America without freedom? A veteran took risks and made sacrifices. One sacrifice could be mental health. Some may have a constant feeling of paranoia from the war they served in. Another sacrifice could be physical health. Some veterans were injured and became handicapped. Veterans took risks. One veteran ran across a battlefield with bullets flying overhead to help out an injured friend which was a huge risk. A veteran chose to put their life at stake. Nobody forced them to. They loved their country enough to die for it, and this, to me, is honorable. Some soldiers did die for their country, some got mortally wounded, and some survived, but all still made sacrifices. These people, the dead and alive, should be honored for their service keeping our country out of havoc and helping other countries stop theirs. Without veterans, we would possibly be living with slavery, with bombs dropping, or in control of Great Britain. Some veterans have suffered for their countries. They may have gotten shot or slashed. They suffered for their countries. And this, again, is honorable. My uncle suffered mental sacrifices while he fought in Vietnam. He tries to forget the sheer horror he experienced when fighting and wants nobody to remind him of it. My Dad flew F-16 Fighting Falcons, or, Vipers. He was about to go out to Desert Storm but at the last minute, his squadron s flight was canceled. Just by the story he told me; having to say to his parents, I don t know if I will see you again, while still not saying details, gave me a glimpse of the horror and fright that a veteran experienced. My dad didn t even have to fight in the war. I can t imagine how a veteran feels having actually fought in a war. Why do I appreciate veterans? It s because of the risks and sacrifices they made. It s because of their attitude of putting their life at stake for their country. It s because they have suffered for our country. I think the people who went through this for our country are worth honoring.

3 Why I Appreciate America's Veterans ~ Maddy Guerri "The cost of freedom is always high, but American's have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender and submission." John F Kennedy. I appreciate America's veterans because they made so many sacrifices to protect our nation, most faced hardships once they were home, and they worked and lived in the most trying circumstances. Our veterans sacrificed so much for our country. 'Veterans Day Facts' by History.com states that there are approximately 23.2 million veterans in America. That is about 30 percent of Americans that are above the age of 18. Veterans sacrificed everything when they joined the military. Some sacrificed a body part, others sacrificed their health. Some didn't ever come home. They endured all the pain and difficulties to assure our safety and wellbeing. Once most veterans were home they faced hardships. One hardship many veterans faced when they got home is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). According to 'Do Something' website about 40 percent of American veterans will suffer PTSD after returning home, that is the equivalent of 1 in 3 troops. Now when our troops come home from war we consider them heroes. Soldiers returning from the Vietnam war were viewed as monsters by some citizens. When I asked my grandpa, who served in the Vietnam war, about the reception he got when he came home he said that many people disapproved of the war and looked down on the returning veterans. American veterans have lived and served in the most trying circumstances to protect our nation. One anonymous veteran states that "sometimes now if I hear thunder or see lightning I have flashbacks about combat". Working in circumstances where shots are being fired 24/7 is difficult, but living in those circumstances is terrible. I cannot imagine how terrifying it is not knowing what could happen to you tomorrow. Even under the most difficult circumstances our veterans still fought with honor and pride to protect our growing county. I could write a lot more than 400 words about American veterans, they've doneso much for us and I can't thank them enough. I appreciate American veterans because they made so many sacrifices for our nation, most faced hardships once they were home, and they lived and worked in the most trying circumstances. Why I appreciate America's veterans ~ Mike Peters Serving in the military is life changing in many ways good or bad. Why I appreciate American veterans is because of all the sacrifices they have made for my freedom, most of my has served in the military and because of the challenges they face when they return home from family battle I appreciate America's veterans for all the sacrifices they have made for my freedom for example if they didn't stop Germany than thousands more people could have died. Also if they didn't protect America overseas then America could be invaded and all of our freedoms could be taken away. Many of my family have served in the military and I hope to enlist in the military when I turn eighteen.my stepfather was in Vietnam and my great great great grandfather fought in the civil war for the confederacy. When I turn eighteen I plan on enlisting in the United States military and fight for my country. I feel it is my duty as an American to enlist in the military and defend the constitution and of my fellow Americans from our enemies and any threat we face. When veterans come home they face many challenges that are life changing such as being wounded in battle and missing the birth of their children and having depression or (PTSD) post traumatic stress disorder. They also have the challenge of not finding a job. America's veterans work and sacrifices are taken for granted by many Americans and they don't realize that the men and women who defend our country put their lives on the line to keep us safe. These are the many challenges that they face when they come home from battle. This is why I appreciate America's veterans and I have respect and I thank all of the men and women of the United States military and who have served in previous battles. I am so thankful for the acts being carried out and the acts that have already carried out by united states soldiers to keep me safe.

4 Why I Appreciate America's Veterans ~ Janie Grover Out there on the battlefield, risking your life and not knowing if you'll see your loved ones again - many veterans bravely went through this thought process every day. I am very appreciative for America's veterans and all they have done to ensure the safety and security of this country. I respect America's veterans because of the sacrifices they have made, the challenges they have faced, and the bravery they exhibit. To begin, veterans have made many sacrifices during war to fight for our country. For example, during World War II, 291,557 members of our armed forces were killed. These individuals made the ultimate sacrifice of losing their lives to keep our country safe. Such an act of bravery leads many people to admire veterans. Another sacrifice veterans typically make is being away from their families for extended periods of time. This sacrifice shows that military members often put other people's needs before their own in order to ensure safety for America. Further, I appreciate America's veterans because they face many challenges during combat as well as before and after military service. Often, when a close friend dies, it can lead to depression which can be traumatic. Of the 2,213,363 members that served in the Civil War, 1,715,0311ived. Those veterans undoubtedly grieved over the loss of their friends due to armed conflict. Training is often difficult for our armed forces as well. Being accepted by the military is increasingly difficult, because the armed forces are turning down twice as many people in prior years. I admire veterans because it is such a challenge to complete training and tests to simply participate in the armed forces. Last, I appreciate America's veterans because they are brave. My great uncle served in the Vietnam War and received numerous medals for bravery, including the Purple Heart. Being a veteran means enduring war and overcoming challenges and fears that most people cannot handle. I admire veterans for their heroic acts of bravery. Veterans are truly a role model for everyone. I appreciate America's veterans because of the sacrifices they have made, the challenges they have faced, and the brave acts they have committed in the name of our nation. Why I appreciate America s Veterans ~ Nate Ortiz There are 23.2 million veterans in the U.S. That means that there are 23.2 million people that keep the smiles of hope and faith on our faces every single day. A veteran has a great heart, great passion to protect us, and leads as example for anybody and everybody. First, a veteran is someone with a heart of gold. For example, they care so much about us and are willing to do whatever it takes to keep the joy in our lives and make this country a better place. History.com states that "the people who serve the U.S. come from all walks of life; they are parents, children and grandparents. They are friends, neighbors and coworkers, and an important part of their communities." That is a perfect example of who these brave and courageous people are and the role models people look up to. Another reason I appreciate veterans is because of their passion to protect us and our country. They sacrifice leaving the friends they love, the co-workers they cooperate with, and the family they are blessed with. So many veterans have participated in protecting us, and History.com shows that 7.8 million served during the Vietnam War, 2.6 million during WWII, 5.2 million during the Gulf War, and 2.8 million during the Korean War. Finally, I appreciate veterans for the great leaders and examples they are. They are the example of astounding work ethic, dedication, love, leadership, care, compassion, humility, loyalty, integrity, and intelligence. According to History.com, due to the military cuts, it has become more challenging to make it in, and these qualities show what kinds of great people serve our country. Having an example like a veteran can lead to us having the same characteristics as them. So, why do I appreciate veterans? They are the definition of greatness to our country, simply put. I appreciate them not only for who they are, but what they have done, which is to grant freedom for the land they love.

5 Why I Appreciate America's Veterans Meghan Hayes Bravery. Protection. Devotion. This is why I, as an American citizen appreciate veterans. I understand the importance of appreciating veterans and that is because of the sacrifices they make as a soldier the protection they provide us with, and their devotion to protect our country. First, I appreciate veterans because of the sacrifices that they make as soldiers. As a soldier, you sacrifice almost everything; family, friends, mental stability, future life, and more. Not only do these warriors risk losing everything they love, but they sacrifice life as a whole. I don't know this personally, but from what I have learned I know that as a soldier, things become less meaningful and actions become such a routine that it may feel like you are not truly living. I believe that all American veterans have the bravest hearts possible for sacrificing all that they have to defend our nation. Next, I also appreciate veterans because of the protection that they provide us with. When soldiers train and go to war, they protect us from being attacked but they also ensure that our rights and freedoms are undisturbed. Without that protection, all of our lives would be harder to live because our way of life would be completely different since we would be very vulnerable to attackers. If we did not have the military and the USA was attacked, it would be safe to say that many Americans would be killed, our government would fail to take power again and living American citizens would not be respected in many ways by the people attacking us. Without soldiers, there would be no protection and without protection, there would be a colossal chasm of hardships. Lastly, I appreciate veterans because of their devotion to protect our country. If veterans didn't have a devotion to serve, the military would be weak. Fortunately, we have the opposite which makes the military strong enough to accomplish extraordinary things. Veterans have a special kind of passion that motivates them to be hard workers who do good deeds. Their devotion is what makes them the heroes that they are. American veterans are honored for these reasons but they should be appreciated by more people. There will always be a piece of my heart dedicated to veterans because of the sacrifices they make when becoming a soldier, the protection they provide us with, and their devotion to protect our country. Why I Appreciate America's Veterans ~ Vraj Patel We have had over 40 million veterans serve in the military since the day our thirteen colonies became a whole. People might suggest that our veterans are "ordinary citizens." I cannot even begin to explain how false this statement is. I appreciate America's veterans because they sacrifice everything at home in order to lay down their lives for our protection, they endure very gruesome situations for our safety and the challenges they face after they come home are overwhelming. Firstly, veterans drop everything, including their families, to risk their lives for the United States. Every veteran knows the feeling of having to say goodbye to their loved ones, not knowing if they will come back. Nobody can understand what it is like to do this unless you have served. For those who make it out alive, they get to come home. When they get to see the ones who have kept them going through the war, it is a moment that is never forgotten. Secondly, the situations our veterans have to withstand and overcome cannot be presumed. One of the hardest situations is having to take someone else's life. I know that I would never be able to do this, but our veterans will do whatever it takes to keep our home exactly that: our home. Last of all, veterans face challenges when they come home that are insurmountable. For example, when veterans came home from the Vietnam War, people did not greet them because they killed unarmed people in order to eliminate the enemy. Another example is the memory of what they have seen and done in the war, which can lead to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. This means that they dwell on that memory and are never the same. These challenges are ones that can only be conquered by our veterans. To conclude, I am proud to be an American and pledge my allegiance to the flag of the United States of America every day. This is because our veterans are so strong, brave and courageous and are able to surpass any obstacles. We may have a day to celebrate all of these wonderful individuals, known as Veterans Day, but we should show respect and gratitude to them every single day. Next time you see a veteran, please say thank you and treat them with the honor and respect that they earned and deserved. I know I will.