Take a deep, luxurious breath. How does it feel? Normal? It should feel both normal and abnormal.
It’s normal because it’s the same as the million of breaths that have come before it. You’re an American breathing freely whilst pursuing your life’s happiness. Yet it’s abnormal and weird because the only reason you’re content taking that breath is because there is a man who has earned it for you.
This man has pulled on his boots, shouldered his pack, and squeezed the stock of his rifle, sweating. This man forfeited his freedoms, left his family, and sacrificed his youth. This man did all of this, yet isn’t compensated for his sacrifices.
This man is the reason you are able to take your next breath, the reason you can wake up in the morning and do whatever you damn well please. This man protects the richest of the rich, yet also enables the dredge of society to suck the teat and be rewarded for sloth. He’s the reason that a bar fight, this website, or a children’s spelling bee can exist. His sacrifice is blind to the recipients’ outcome, yet it is all encompassing nonetheless.
You may have known the man with the rifle, yet he has existed for more than 200 years and he gives you this next breath freely. You are free to do whatever you want with that breath, but it’d be a disgrace if it wasn’t spent doing everything you can to be the best person, father, brother, friend, son, worker, or stranger that you can. Your last breath was a freebie; now earn your next in honor of those riflemen who make breathing possible.
12 thoughts on “Memorial Day”
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And let’s not forget the badass women who pull on those boots every day, either.
It would have taken away from the post to name off every personnel that contributes, including support or women, so it’s implied that they are included in this tribute.
–Justin
Excellent post, Justin.
Thanks to all the veterans everywhere. We’re lucky to have so many military men/women that post on 70’s Big. Thank you.
amen.
Spot on. Well put Justin.
God bless the men and women who won, and maintain our liberty.
Thank you to all who have served, are serving now, and who will serve.
Just wanted to drop a note to give my thanks for anyone in the military, present or former. God bless the troops
Hooah! Had to check the site before the day was done, knew you’d have a great post Justin. Thoughts are with the men and families of men currently serving, who have served and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
Was at Omaha Beach this week end.
Quite emotional.
Nice post Justin. Thanks!
Caught Rolling Thunder going through this weekend. Never forget.
Great post.
Word.