TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Hernando Today

Thank you, Spc. Justin Coleman

ADVERTISEMENT

By WILLIAM PIERSON

Guest columnist

Published: August 1, 2009

As I heard the news of Spc. Justin Coleman on Monday, I was deeply saddened. As tears filled my eyes, I forwarded the grim message along to other veterans. It felt as if I lost a brother. Not a brother by blood, but a member of a brotherhood. One that has existed for hundreds of years; one made of those willing to ensure our freedom as Americans by serving their country, knowing the sacrifice may include their lives. In an all-volunteer force, and people joining it knowing that they may pay the ultimate sacrifice, that really says something.

We recently lost a pop music star. I saw the news on the major news channels, the front pages of national newspapers. I saw the tears streaming from the loyal fans - the fans of someone who made literally billions of dollars throughout his career by doing nothing more than singing some songs and dancing for people.

Where am I going with this? We lost one of our own here in Hernando County. We lost a young man on foreign soil. There should be tears streaming down the faces of loyal fans here. These fans, however, are loyal fans of their country, and everything it stands for. In my opinion, the "heroes" who live in lavish luxury shouldn't be hailed as heroes. The men and women serving in our armed forces should be.

When 9/11 occurred, we, as Americans, seemed shocked. After the initial shock was over, we stood tall. We had flags on our cars, we flew flags in our front yards; we stood ready. We lost almost 3,000 Americans that day. Many joined the armed forces to right the wrong that occurred so many years ago. To put things into perspective, we've lost more than 5,000 servicemen and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. Where did all the flags go? Why aren't we standing as tall? Where are the yellow ribbons? Have we forgotten?

It doesn't matter what your stance is on politics. In my opinion, it doesn't matter why our soldiers, Marines, airmen and seamen are there. They are there, doing what they are told, and we, as Americans have an obligation to support them - unconditionally. If we don't like why they are there, we need to vote in competent leaders to ensure when our sons and daughters are sent in harm's way, it's for the right reasons.

How can we right this wrong? If you don't have an American flag waving proudly in your front yard, standing tall - get one. The next time you're at the store, buy some yellow ribbon and tie it around a tree in your front yard. Wear a red shirt on Fridays. The next time you see an elderly man at the store with a World War II hat on, take a moment and shake his hand to thank him. The same for those who served in Korea or Vietnam or in Iraq during Desert Storm - and every conflict in between.

How can that possibly make a difference? Because that man may have lost his brothers, and in a small way you are honoring their sacrifice through him. You are thanking him for signing on the dotted line to serve, even though he knew he may lose his life in the process.

We are free today because of our veterans and because of those who wear the uniforms today. Sunday is a memorial service for Spc. Coleman. I will be there. I will pay my respects and show his family that we appreciate his sacrifice. I will be there Monday for his funeral as well, holding the flag out of my front yard, waving it proudly.

I invite every red-blooded American who reads this to take the time to do the same. I have that flag and the freedom to wave it because of brave men like him. We must never forget his sacrifice. We must never forget those remaining on foreign soil who are still fighting the fight and those back here at home who support them.

In 2007, we lost Spc. Cody Grater in Iraq. I stood on Mariner Boulevard with my family as the hearse passed us. The showing of patriotism that day was indescribable. I was a proud American, showing support and appreciation, among thousands of others in our community. Quite a feeling; one I'll never forget.

I started the "Military Appreciation Show" on 1450 WWJB in January 2008 because of Spc. Grater. It should not take the death of a service member for us to show our patriotism and pride in being Americans. I invite you to tune in and participate. Visit http://NeverEndingSupport.org for more information. Thank you, Spc. Justin Coleman. May you rest in peace. Please know that your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

William "Bill" Pierson lives in Spring Hill.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

ADVERTISEMENT