Remember others on the Fourth

Resslin' Around by Casey Ressler

The Fourth of July is all about sweet-smelling barbecues, ice cold drinks, watching some baseball and eating apple pie. For some of us, at least. For others, the Fourth of July is going to be just like any other day -- patrolling the streets of Iraq and Afghanistan with the fear of violence erupting at any given second.

As we celebrate America's independence today, we certainly should think about those who aren't on American soil. Instead of a giant cheeseburger, some cole slaw, macaroni salad and an ice cold beer, today they'll probably enjoy a less-than-tasty MRE while cleaning their rifle.

This isn't the place for a political debate -- you could argue both sides of whether the dude in the Big Office was right or wrong on Iraq -- because it simply doesn't matter. Regardless of how you feel politically, the reality is that there are still a lot of soldiers in harm's way, and on the most patriotic of days, we should remember them.

Everybody has a tie to what is going on half a world away it seems. My cousin was serving in Qatar with the U.S. Air Force up until a couple of months ago, and it made watching the news hectic, because you just never knew what you were going to here.

Today there will be parades in communities everywhere, there will be American flags flying proudly and picnics and campouts will be taking place in every corner of the country. The origin of the celebration is in America's independence, and the freedoms afforded to us, but through the years it has evolved into a day of celebrating everything America. While our soldiers in the Middle East aren't fighting for America's freedom or independence, they are the true patriots.

Today, if you get the chance, thank a World War II veteran, a Vietnam veteran or maybe even a parent of someone who is active in the military. They are the reason you get to enjoy the cheeseburger that tastes so good on the Fourth of July. Enjoy your day off from work that the holiday affords, but don't forget why you are celebrating in the first place.

Casey Ressler (valleylife@frontiersman. com) is the Valley Life editor. He's celebrating his independence by trying to rob a king salmon of its independence.