Reflecting on more than just independence

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Brian Hornback
  • 455th Expeditionary Maintenance Group
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) --  What you do this Independence Day probably depends on who you are. The Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines deployed here will probably go about their day just like any other.

We'll put on a uniform and go to work doing the hundreds of vital jobs that we do every day. Most of us will work somewhere near 12 hours, some more. We probably will get a break or two to run to the dining facility, inhale a meal and quickly return to the job to make sure we do our share. And most of us will put on a smile and be professional in every task because that is what we do.

However, somewhere in the midst of the myriad tasks we have to do, we need to take a moment and consider what others around the world might be doing July Fourth. Our families probably will celebrate our American independence with a picnic or barbecue. They will have time to relax and watch the children play in the yard. Maybe some of them will catch a ball game or go play at the nearby lake. Although those deployed won't be home to share in the celebration, we share that sacrifice with our families.

In many places, the celebrations will center not only on the history of our nation but also on the sacrifices made by this great nation's military members to preserve the freedoms upheld as rights, not privileges. So far I haven't stated anything most of you don't already know, but sometimes it's good to look at the obvious, and sometimes it's good to look a little deeper.

At other places around the world, countries will do the same thing those deployed will do on the Fourth of July. They will get up and go to work. They may choose to go to a church or watch a futbol game. Although most will not celebrate or recognize independence, whole nations will benefit from the strength and commitment of men and women who protect and defend the United States. They will receive the gift of a commitment to the ideals of freedom that U.S. forces all over the globe present to them every day.

So on this upcoming Independence Day, reflect on the freedoms we have earned and the freedoms you provide -- not only to your friends and family, but to nations all over the world. Then take a moment to be proud and accept the gratitude of our nation on behalf of all those around the world whose freedom we protect.