From Iraq, With Love

Happy Independence Day

(Entrance Sign)

I was thinking with Justin in Iraq this Independence Day that I should come up with some sort of post about Freedom, Liberty, or even the right to Pursue Happiness. It is now 7:00 PM and nothing has really hit me, until a few minutes ago. I was talking to Justin on the phone, just seeing how his day at work went, and he had to go.

(Sunset, Camp Bucca, Iraq)

See, unlike in the U.S. he has only 20 minutes to talk on the phone. This is not really a choice, but a privilege that they have that is limited. A lot of their lives have limited options. Most of being in the Army is doing things where everyone can maintain their Freedom to spend their time however they want, while the Soldier actually gives up their right to do so. For example...most of us get to choose where we want to live. When you join the Army (Navy, Air Force, or Marines) this is one of the first things you give up, and some people give it up often throughout their lives.

(Soldier Housing, 6 per Pod)

You also lose the right to get to see your family when you want. Justin was hoping to see his Mother this week as she is not doing well, but that is not going to be possible. Most of us - even if we have to take time off work, or make a quick weekend trip - find time to see our family when it is most important. Soldiers on the other hand have a job that does not make this Freedom possible. I would have to say that the people who work the hardest to maintain the Freedoms that we celebrate this Independence Day actually choose to live with the fewest, something that I find quite admirable.

(Sky over Camp Bucca, Iraq)

They do this where the rest of us can spend the entire day on the phone if we like, or even protest the wars they fight in. Soldiers on the other hand do not even have the basic Freedom of Speech that receives so much press. It is a basic Freedom that walking past the "Free Speech" zones on campus I have many times loathed, or thought should be capped for certain people - but the truth is we are quite lucky to have it. Freedom of Speech lends itself to Freedom of Thought, Religion, and again - The Pursuit of Happiness. Through our Freedoms we are able to Pursue Happiness, if we wish. Not every nation in the world has this ability, and we should be grateful for it. We should also be grateful for those who have previously served as soldiers, giving up their Freedoms, and in many cases their lives, to make sure that we are continually able to do so.

(Night Shift)

Hopefully this Independence Day everyone has been able to do something that celebrates their own ability to be "Free", because as we all know these Freedoms that are so freely offered come at a very large price to many others.

(C Company, 3-13 FAR)