He lives in the trenches and crawls in the dirt. He sleeps when he can and responds when he's called upon. He is afraid, just as any other person is afraid... afraid of death, afraid of the enemy he does not know, afraid of losing all he holds dear. The difference between this soldier and a civilian that has not seen through his eyes or lived through his nightmares is that in the face of that very fear, he responds without hesitation and moves ever forward. He does not hide from his enemy, but defends those around him and behind him.
He faces his fear. It is called courage. He hopes his family will understand the things he does, and will not tell them of the things he's seen. His nights will never be peaceful and his days will always be long. The scars he carries cannot always be seen, but are always there.
​ His is the sacrifice lesser men cannot give. It is the sacrifice of innocence... the innocence of seeing first-hand the true evil that men do and the violence that those who wish harm on others are willing to commit to win their cause. It is the sacrifice of peace of mind, sometimes of health, limbs or even a life. It is the sacrifice the brave make to keep the innocent safe. It is the sacrifice the strong make to protect the weak. It is the sacrifice every soldier makes when they take the oath to serve their country.
​ These brave men and women are often ignored, forgotten or shunned when they come home. Sometimes their wives or husbands walk away while they are gone, not understanding why their own spouse chose to take up this mantle of honor, and the soldier comes home to an empty heart.
​ Some come home in a box, quiet... their voice forever stilled. They cannot hear the tears, thanks or grief. They cannot see those who stand in salute at their silent passing. They have already given the ultimate sacrifice for their country and are now at rest.
​ Some are homeless, sitting on street corners begging for food, forgotten by the very people they fought to protect... cold, hungry, sick and alone. They do not complain, for they are soldiers.
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The life of a soldier is never one of ease. It is wrought with trials, danger, and suffering, but they chose to walk that path willingly to keep our shores safe, for they have the heart of a warrior. The soldier will walk on through sun and rain, mud and sand, rocks and barren earth.
​He does all this because he is a soldier.
​Dedicated to all the men and women of our armed forces, both here and abroad. Stay safe and come home. Your sacrifices will always be recognized and remembered.