Freedom
As I sit at my computer and begin to write these words, I ask myself does this belong in a Montana Bowhunters Association newsletter? In my heart I say yes. As you read these words I hope that you too will agree with my decision to print this article. I pray that each of us will be touched by the words upon this page and perhaps for a moment we will savor the breath of freedom. Perhaps we will even give thanks for the cost of that freedom.
I received news today that some of my friends in the United States military will not be returning to U.S. soil. Their lives have been given on foreign ground . For them the cost of freedom has demanded everything. If there is any solace to be offered it is this, I believe that God saves a special place for the brave. Believe me, they are the brave!
Our country has been built upon the credence of “The Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.” I ask you to remember this: This is the Land of the Free, because of the Brave. All freedom comes at a cost. As I write these words my son Tanner lies sleeping peacefully in his bed. I take great comfort in the knowing that each breath he draws is free. For so long as the brave exist, my son will always know freedom. I will know freedom. We will know freedom!
My friend and fellow MBA member from New Mexico Mr. Butch Wilkes sent me a newspaper article that demands printing . I ask that each of you read it and remember always at what cost our freedom exacts upon us. I ask that you never forget those who fight for you. Those who define the brave.
The following article was taken from a US newspaper dated Sunday, June 10th, 2007. I have condensed it for this newsletter. Please read this story .
“Fallen Comrades”
Marine Major Ray J. Mendoza was killed in action along the Syrian border November 14th, 2005. He left behind two children. His widow asked that his fellow Marines write a letter to his children. A simple letter that someday might help his kids understand why their father will never come home. A letter that may one day bring them peace and comfort within their grief.
The one letter that the widow Karen Mendoza felt would best explain her husband came from fellow Marine Major Doug Zeimbec. This letter still sends shivers down her spine:
Dear Kiana and Alek,
Ray and I had a conversation late May in 2004 while we were deployed to Iraq. He spoke of why he fought. He fought to give the people of Iraq a chance. He fought to crush those who would terrorize and enslave others. He fought to protect his fellow Marines.
The last thing he told me that day was, “I don’t want any of these people (terrorists) telling my kids how to act, or how to dress. I don’t want to worry about the safety of my children.” Kiana and Alek, your father fought for many things, but always remember, he fought for YOU.
As you fight this battle we call life, you will find your challenges greater, your adversity larger, your enemies more numerous. The beautiful thing is, you will grow stronger , smarter, faster and you will overcome the obstacles in your way. No one could have better prepared you than your father. He instilled in you the essentials to life:
* Live with integrity, for without integrity we deceive ourselves, we live in a house of cards.
* Fight for what you believe, for without valor we lose our freedom.
* Be willing to sacrifice, for anything worthy in life requires sacrifice.
* Be disciplined, for it is discipline that builds the foundation of your success.
You will encounter misguided people in your life who may question Americas attempt to help the people of Iraq and the middle east. These pathetic windbags, who have nothing so sacred in their lives they would be willing to fight for, will argue and debate endlessly on what we should have done.
While they criticize they forget the truth, or conventionally overlook the fact that it takes men and women of action, willing to make sacrifice to free the enslaved, to advance the cause of freedom. Our great nation was built upon the shoulders of men like your father. While the nay-sayers and cowards hid in the shadows sniveling that nothing was worth dying for, men like your dad help to carve out liberty and freedom.
Your fathers passing, while tragic, serves as an endless source of empowerment. Your father would not want you to wallow in self pity. I know you will honor him by living your life in the positive example he set. Respect and remember him. Drive on with your lives. Serve something greater than yourself. Enjoy all the good things that life has to offer. That is what he would want.
When I look into your eyes I see your father. Courageous, determined and resolute, your father embodied all that is virtuous in a warrior. Even now you strive to embody his same character . Remember, there will never be any pressure for you to be exactly like your father. Be your own person, but build your character in his image.
Many people may be concerned about your future because of the early passing of your father. I don’t worry at all. Your dad gave you all you need to become a great man and woman. I know your father would have told you to be your own hero. Don’t wait for someone to rise up and lead you to victory, to your goals. If you do, you might wait a very long time.
Ray died as a warrior, sword in hand in service of his country, his comrades and you his loved ones. His spirit and example give us all hope, reaffirms our faith. Your father reminds us that there are men willing to fight for those they don’t even know ,so that all may live in peace.
I joined the Corps to serve beside men like your father. There is no Marine I’d rather have protecting my flank in combat than your dad. Even now, as I write this letter in Iraq, I will always honor him on the field of battle. I will fight for him, for you, and for freedom everywhere.
You will always be in our lives. Please stay in touch. We will always be in your corner. Pam and I plan to retire in Idaho and would love for you to visit us so we can take you rafting and mountain climbing.
Very Respectfully,
Doug.
“Marine Major Doug Zembiec was killed May 11th while standing beside his fellow comrades in battle in Baghdad. He mailed this letter days before he gave his life.”
His life and the many lives of those lost were not given in vain. They were given for us, for freedom, for the promise of a better tomorrow. Remember: We are free because of the brave.
This season as you enjoy those freedoms. Stop and give thanks for those who fight to ensure we remain free. We live in the greatest country in the world. As Americans we are the light that guides freedom everywhere. We stand as reminder to the world that we shall live free or die. We know the beauty of freedom, with each breath we are free!
The next time you see a soldier, stop and smile. Shake his/her hand. Give them thanks. For they are the brave. The world needs hero’s always. They remind us of what perhaps is best in men. They remind us that there is no greater love than he that would lay his life down for another.
And so tonight as you lay your head upon your pillow. Give thanks for all we have. Pray for those you love, pray for peace. And than take a moment, and Pray for the Brave…Because they Pray for you.
God Bless.
Topic: "FREEDOM" - 4th of July Tribute!!! (Read 2572 times)
