What the 4th of July Means To Us

4th of July from a Military Wife Point of View

Growing up the 4th of July meant grilling by the pool, being around family, and fighting traffic to get the best seats to watch the fireworks. I knew it was to celebrate our independence but I don’t think I ever truly understood what that meant. Now that I am married to someone in the military I have a very different view of what we celebrate on the 4th.

Before we were married I had no idea how much the military would shape our relationship or how being with someone who was in the military would shape my views on the world. Lets face it, I chose to love and support a man that chose the military life. I didn’t take the oath to lay down my life for my country. Quite frankly I don’t know if I would be brave enough to do what my husband does. Yet by marrying someone who has signed up for the military I have accepted the good the bad and everything in between. I chose to love, marry and start a family with someone that I know could leave at a moments notice and someone who is willing to give the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

The 4th of July brings out a mix of emotions for me. I am proud of my nation, my husband and all those who have chosen to stand up for freedom. I am happy that I live in a nation where freedom has been achieved. I am grateful that my husband has come home safely to me from previous deployments. I feel sympothy for all those families who are missing someone special from their celebration. These mix of emotions make me a better person and a better American. Now I take the opportunity to remember those who had to give the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. It makes me think about all those that are still fighting to keep our nation free. People may not always agree on what the military should and should not do, but that has never stopped our brave men and women from standing up for freedom and in some cases laying down their life in order to protect the freedoms of our country.

Now I think I truly understand what being a proud American really means and I am forever in debt for those individuals who have died so that my family can be free.

4th of July from an Active Duty Service Member 

Growing up in a military community the 4th of July was always a day of celebrations.  We would get together as a community, have BBQs, attend USO concerts (Toby Keith came and played for us once) and watch amazing fireworks.

Now the 4th of July means something completely different.  It is a day to celebrate remembrance with family and friends.  Remembering the sacrifices of my fellow service members, remembering the sacrifices that my family has had to make on my behalf, and remembering the sacrifices I have had to make to serve my country.

Thank you family!  This holiday is an opportunity to thank my family for the sacrifices that they have had to make to support me, from getting deployment orders 3 days after our wedding, to packing up and moving 5 times in 5 years.  With their support I am able to do serve my country.

Today, there are many divisive issues being discussed. It is important to remember that the freedoms that myself and my fellow service members continue to protect allows for these discussions to happen.  Always remember that freedom is not free.

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