AMERICA’S SONS
A Letter To The
Editor
The Olympics have been a much needed diversion to me this
week. Every night I watch with tears as Michael Phelps wins the Gold for the
USA. I think to myself he’s doing it for us, he’s doing it for America. I think
we have all fallen "in Love with Michael" and I love watching his mother in the
stands and her heartfelt response as she sees her son touch the wall yet again —
the winner. What an experience, what a triumph! He is now America’s son,
America’s hero.
It’s such a contrast to flipping on the computer
and checking "My Space" messages from my son, who is also six thousand miles
away and he, too, is soaking wet. But he is not wet from swimming; he is wet
from his own sweat. He, too, is exhausted, but he is exhausted from carrying an
extra 80 pounds of armor and weapons in 120 degrees for 19 hours. His message
today read, "Mom, I’m exhausted from patrolling all night, chasing bad guys,
only get three hours of sleep a day. I’m not coming home for R&R now till the
end of September (third time it’s been delayed), got to get some shut eye, love
ya. Richard." My eyes well up with tears as sadness strikes through my heart and
I think to myself he is doing this for his country, not for a medal — not even
for a paycheck — but simply for his country. He is an Infantryman, he is a
soldier, and he is my son. I can’t be more proud knowing that he is putting his
life on the line for you and me. Not only him, but every soldier — marine,
airman and sailor. They are all our sons; they are our heroes.
So as Michael Phelps stands up on that podium and
America’s National Anthem is played yet again, while you are welling up with
American Pride and hope, please, please take a moment to think of all those who
are serving this Country. Please honor them as they honor us.
8/16/06 Jeanne Meadows