American Devotion

A thank you to all the soldiers who risk their lives

American Devotion

Photo by AP

Emma Field, Staff Writer

American Sniper swept the nation off its feet and put the overwhelmingly  horrendous events that occur during all aspects of war into perspective for millions of people.

Growing up in a family full of veterans, I have been dragged around to every possible military related service on Cape Cod. Whether it’s a Veteran’s Day parade, the Marine Corps birthday, or simply passing a uniformed man or woman and saying thank you in the mall, my family shows undying support. I’m not complaining, but as a 16-year-old girl with no first-hand experience to anything that has happened in war, it’s hard to relate to those I encounter who have.

I’ve seen horrible things all over

the news and have heard about numerous bombings and air strikes but because nothing that I can remember has ever happened on our soil, it’s never felt real to me.

I never realized what those men and women really do for our country until I saw American Sniper. My perspective changed completely because not only did it show me what soldiers go through overseas, but also how hard it is for their

families when they are deployed. And for all involved, how hard it is to adjust to a normal life again when soldiers come home.

When the movie ended, the dimly lit theatre was silent. Everyone walked out without saying a word, not knowing what had hit them. I’d never experienced this before.

American Sniper left me speechless. It made me think about everything my parents have taught me since I was a child about America and my freedom. For instance, standing proud at every National Anthem with my hand on my heart and saying the Pledge of Allegiance every day at school. I immediately understood and appreciated  my parents’ undying patriotism and devotion.

American Sniper not only opened my eyes, but my heart as well. We live in a great nation where freedom is not free.  The parades, the wreath laying at the National Cemetery, citizens lining the streets to welcome a fallen soldier home suddenly made sense. Not only does it all  make sense, but it was the absolute very least we can do to show our appreciation for our freedom.  American Sniper shows the horrors of war, the demons our soldiers bring home and keep inside to protect their loved ones, and those warriors who make the ultimate sacrifice.

You may not believe in war, maybe you don’t even believe in our government, but believe in the American soldier, the true heroes in this world. Because of them, we are free.