Some Independence-Day Perspective

I was talking to a friend of mine the other day. I'd heard about some problems where he is so I asked him about it.

"Well," he said, "let me put it this way: 2 years ago, this was the worst place in the country. Today, it's the safest."

Wow... That's quite a turn-around in just 2 years!

Then I asked him about the weather. "It's about 110 or 120 today," he said.

What... 120?!! Where on earth IS he?

He's in Iraq.

He's in a place where people understand freedom... Not only what it's worth, but what it costs. He's with people who are thousands of miles away from everything they value & hold dear fighting for all that someone else holds dear.

I know the 4th of July is a birthday celebration of sorts for the USA, but it's really about independence. I hope the people of Iraq have the great privilege of celebrating their independence for many years to come.

I also hope that our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, & Marines get to come home soon... & get the hero's welcome they deserve.