We tend to forget the meaning of things. Like Thanksgiving. We wrap it up in some commercialized frenzy or kids pretending to be pilgrims, and we don't have to think about anything deeper. By such distractions the day loses it's meaning. Having come over here, I tend to think that we get more of what it's really about in Iraq than many of the people in the US do. We don't have "Black Friday". We don't have school plays.
By comparison though, everyone here has something real and immediate to be giving thanks for. It may be another day of going on patrol and coming back, and having your brothers come back too. It may be for another (more or less) peaceful day here in Baghdad. It may be for being able to make some small contribution to the lives of Iraqis. Whatever it is, the point is, we all seem to have something to give thanks for over here, even as we miss our families terribly.
And curiously enough, Thanksgiving as a celebration has a deeper meaning as well. Over here, the US Gov't and the US Military go to great lengths to ensure that every US Soldier that can be reached will have real Turkey, with real dressing and real mashed potatoes or stuffing with real gravy. They will fly in tons of food for this specific and sole purpose. And while some may think of that as a wasteful thing, it absolutely is not. It is a righteous use of our resources to bring what that small piece of America to people we ask to risk their lives, wherever they may be. It is a re-affirmation and a giving back, for all the pain, discipline and sacrifice.
And it is that we live in a country not only willing, but needing to do so, that makes America what it is.
A place to be Thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving to each of you.
Regards,
-Bouncer-
PS: Call your mom! Geeze! :)
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