CJ A 4th Unlike Others
July 7th, 2008 by CJ
With the weekend, halfway through, I can't help but think about what's different about this Independence Day. Normally, we visit family for our annual vacation and spend the 4th of July watching parades, sitting beneath large fireworks displays, and enjoying the company of brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers. This year it wasn't so. I'm probably not alone.
We calculated that the cost of traveling to Montana or Utah this year would cost us over $600 in gas – just to drive there and back. That is considering that the price of gas strayed no higher than $4 per gallon. Naturally, it's edging up and gets higher the further west you travel. That $600 also does not include driving in and around our destination. It does not include hotel stays or food. And it doesn't include other activities while there.
While I revel in the birth of my nation, I can't help but feel this 4th of July is a huge let-down. It pains me that I cannot provide a means to visit family during these tough times. While I'm very proud of my military service and don't continue in it for the money, it would be nice to be able to afford such luxuries.
This is the life of many Soldiers and sort of what the spirit of independence is all about – sacrifice. It speaks to the reality that hundreds of thousands of Americans set aside their ambitions to serve their country. They don't do it for fame, fortune, or entitlements. They do it out of love and honor to the country that provided them freedoms unlike any other on earth. The life of a Soldier is one filled with disappointment and separation from family. It's nothing new, but difficult to deal with all the same.
I feel like something is missing with this year's celebrations. It had nothing to do with all the rain or the fact that a train kept us from seeing the fireworks display in all its splendor. It's the family that will have to wait until my obligation to the freedom we celebrate today ends and after which my presence can be assured.
