Support our troops overseas

This past weekend I had the privilege of watching my younger brother wrestle at the Iowa High School Wrestling Championships. Before the final round began, the American flag was marched up to the front of the auditorium, as the song “God Bless the U.S.A.” was played. The words of this song filled me with pride and honor. “I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. I won’t forget the men who died who gave that right to me. I’ll gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today. There ain’t no doubt I love this land. God bless the U.S.A.”

The words of this song and our current situation of a possible war with Iraq go hand-in-hand. There are many mixed feelings in the air. There are those feelings that oppose a war and those that support a war. I have read, heard about and seen the anti-war movement in newspapers, on TV and here on Simpson College campus. I am frustrated and upset by the actions of these people. In my opinion, these people’s actions show no support for our troops and their families. These people’s actions are very anti-war and at the same time very anti-American. They are protesting the very idea that allows them to protest. They are protesting freedom. Freedom is something that I feel many people take for granted. Like the song “God Bless the U.S.A.” states, I am proud to be an American where at least I know I am free. I won’t forget the men and women who died who gave that right to me. We are free because there were men and women who fought for our freedom. We will remain free because there are still men and women willing to fight for our freedom and rid the world of despots like Saddam Hussein.

My husband is one among the thousands of troops that have already been deployed to the Gulf region. He left on our four month wedding anniversary. Before he left he sent me an e-mail that sums up how he felt. He wrote, “I am part of something with honor, courage, and commitment. We are going over there with the feeling of standing up for the greatest nation in the world. I love that feeling. I am going to do the best that I can over there, so I can come back to my wife and tell her I did my best.”

My husband, as well as the other military men and women will do their best because they know that they are standing up for the greatest nation in the world. They are defending the people of this nation and the innocent civilians of Iraq. We should support them. In conclusion I’d like to share a poem. The author is unknown.

I’ve Got Your Back

I am a small and precious child,

my dad’s been sent to fight.

the only place I’ll see his face,

is in my dreams at night.

He will be gone too many days

for my young mind to keep track.

I may be sad, but I am proud.

My daddy’s got your back.

I am a caring mother.

My son/daughter had gone to war.

My mind is filled with worries

that I have never known before.

Everyday I try to keep

my thoughts from turning black.

I may be scared,

but I am proud.

My son/daughter has got your back.

I am a strong and loving wife,

with a husband soon to go.

There are times I’m terrified

in a way most will never know.

I bite my lip,

and force a smile

as I watch my husband pack.

My heart may break,

but I am proud.

My husband’s got your back.

I am a soldier.

Serving proudly, standing tall.

I fight for freedom,

yours and mine

by answering this call.

I do my job while knowing,

that thanks it sometimes lacks.

Say a prayer that I’ll come home.

It’s me who’s got your back.

Pray for and support our troops

Emily Rousch

Senior