Proud to be an American?

Meg had a school performance tonight and the theme was America and a solute to our veterans. The school was divided up into four groups that each performed three songs. One of the songs was a hymn of one of the branches of the military. They finished with two songs that the entire school sang together.

With all of the patriotic songs being sung, I could not help but think about their meaning. The songs all saluted the "men who died for our freedom." There have been many heroes that have died defending this great country. But there have also been many men who have died for no reason at all. I am ashamed that we treat these men the same as the men who fought to defend our country. I am ashamed because our government sent these men into battle for misguided reasons.

Vietnam was a disaster of a war. The government fabricated reasons for us to fight that war and the public was up in arms. It was horrible for everyone. The Gulf War is another horrible situation that our government put us in. Their were fabricated reasons that justified sending our troops to that region and many men and women have sacrificed their lives for no valid reason.

Every Veteran's Day we should think about the heroes who died to give us our freedom. We should also think about the mistakes our government has made and make sure we don't repeat them. We can change the future!