I’ve always loved the fourth of July.
Ever since I was a little, little girl.
I love the picnics,
the fireworks, and celebrating our country’s independence. I think it’s so
important that during this holiday we take time to consider just how lucky we
are to live in such an amazing country.
I am extremely
thankful I get to experience all the wonderful opportunities that this great
country offers me everyday. Every year
this holiday serves as a reminder of the pivotal role our military serves in
our everyday lives (especially mine).
I am beyond grateful
for everything the United States Military has given me. Not only my freedom,
but my way of life. They have truly shaped me into the person I am today.
Living as a military brat has shaped me in more ways I could ever imagine. The
military way of life has granted me opportunities that I know I never would
have benefitted from if my dad wasn’t in the Marine Corps. I am considered a
dependent of my dad, in military terms, but in reality, this way of life has
only made me fiercely independent. It has
taught me the true meaning of what it means to serve your county, the significance
of a community, and has provided me with lifelong memories and friends.
I don’t
think any civilian will ever be able to understand this way of life without
experiencing it yourself. I’ve had to go through birthdays, holidays, award
ceremonies, and lacrosse games without my dad standing on the sidelines cheering
for me. However, I grew up not knowing any different. All this was normal for
me. It was normal for me to write daily emails to him telling him how my day
was and skyping him every weekend. I was always surrounded by kids my age on
base going through the exact same thing. At my school, there was never a
need to ask what anyone’s dad did because it was just known. We were all there
to offer support during those long days and we were all there to celebrate the
good ones.
My childhood was filled with neighbors
who weren’t just friends, but heroes.
Being a military kid requires significant
sacrifice, but the call of duty is a privilege I have come to treasure. I’m not
sure I will ever become accustomed to the civilian way of life; I will always
assume thunder is just artillery and will forever think it’s strange to call a
commissary a grocery store. Being unique has always been important to me, and I
have always gone to great lengths to set myself apart. Ironically, being a
military kid has not only made me unique, it has made me stronger.
I thought this post was appropriate on
this day. Take time today to celebrate your country and everything that flag
represents.
Don't forget!
Cheers!
Shannon
No comments