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The Few, The Proud, The Free


By Jacqulyn Pray
Submitted June 4, 2008


I have heard these words many times before but it wasn’t until I stood there last week at the Moapa Valley Memorial Day Candlelight Vigil, that I realized that those who protect our nation and make such great sacrifices for it are THE FEW. I was amazed to see so few from our own Valley that took time out to remember the fallen, those who served and lived a full life and those who are still serving our great Nation. And this made me sad.

This year the Moapa Valley 4th of July Committee is asking for the names of all those who are currently serving in the military so we can create a new plaque for display.

There are families in our own midst whose husbands, children or grandchildren are honoring our country by serving in many parts of the world. Have you thought at what cost this means to these families? It is the same cost as those who fought the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom and now Iraq and Afghanistan. It costs tears, loss, worry, joy and lastly pride.

I remember when we lived in the San Diego area, when the Navy ships would come home and seeing families reunited, sometimes fathers meeting their children for the first time, parents with tears streaming down their faces. It is moments like this that you realize the sacrifices that were made. These sacrifices were not just for their own sake but also for me, for you, for the nation.

Could you imagine missing the birth of your child because you were off defending your Country? Or how about a birthday, the 1st steps, or the death of your parent? People are doing it every day for the sake of duty to their country. I think of the men and women from the Memorial Day who performed flawlessly the different flag ceremonies, who also remind us what day it is by displaying flags up and down the Boulevard. They are the reasons we should be the proud and they are THE PROUD.

Lastly I see how my children have the freedom to choose and not be oppressed. They have the right to explore their talents, the world as they see fit without the real dangers people around the world face.

My brother in-law has served in Iraq and he pointed out that fear is a way of life for everyone there. I couldn’t imagine my children being raised in fear. Fear that they will not be here tomorrow because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, fear that someone might take them, and fear that if they don’t do as the insurgence says they will die.

Another reminder I have in my possession is a picture that was given to my mother from the Mayor of Jerusalem; it is a scud missile flying over a neighborhood. Underneath it says, “This is the way of life for us.” Could you imagine growing up with that? What’s that…oh it’s just another scud missile, hopefully the Jones will survive it…

We are THE FREE, we have this freedom due to the sacrifices of our founding fathers, great men like George Washington, and the many great, brave soldiers of all races, genders and religions. I hope this year that when the 4th of July celebration occurs and we present the plaque with the names of all those currently serving in our valley, we the few, the proud, and the free will know in our hearts that the 2008 theme of “FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE” is true.

Jacqulyn Pray is a member of the Moapa Valley July 4 Celebration Planning Committee.

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