Mixed Reactions

As I was browsing CNN in search of an article to slap some commentary on I stumbled upon this article; Boy Who Lost Army Dad inspires Help for Other Kids. Linked here:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/02/us/braydon-nichols-ireport-update/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

First off, before I even read the article the title invoked several feelings and thoughts within the deep (that's a lie.) and insightful (that is also a lie.) mind of mine but most of those really didn't have any substance. One, however, was one that has been a recurring thought and I think I should probably expand on it.

Why does it take an innocent child's plea for the citizens of our country to remember that there are those serving in our nation's military that do not receive the recognition they deserve, nor do they occupy the average American's daily thoughts. In a conversation with a friend recently, he informed me that "anyone who joins the military, at around this time, is stupid." and while  I expected that from him, it continues to shock me that many share his sentiments. While we sit safely in our homes typing random and mostly pointless blog posts and playing video games with friends, there are those who choose to go out and fight for our country and our thoughts on them are what? Nothing? That they're stupid for putting themselves in harms way? Why do we forget so easily that regardless of the reason those brave men and women joined the military and regardless of how we feel about the conflicts they are involved in, that those people don't fight for themselves, they fight for us? If our response to the men and women in uniform is borderline contempt, there needs to be a reassessment of our thoughts.

Now, that being said, the body of the article is a touching story of how Braydon Nichols continues to receive feedback from people around the country, and the kids of the families that were affected by the helicopter crash that tragically killed his father are also thought of and taken care of. I realize that there are many who think past their own views to see that soldiers are still people; people with families and needs. While I'm disappointed that we don't take the initiative upon ourselves and act unselfishly for both the soldiers in the military and especially their families, I'm equally proud to live in a country where a kid can make an iReport and  cause such a magnificent reaction among our community. (Braydon Nichol's iReport inspired a foundation for the families of those fallen in the line of duty.) But I do think we need to watch ourselves in our thoughts and actions that we never forget the sacrifice our military men and women have made, and continue to make each and everyday.

Mr. Level, look to the east on the dawn of the third day.