AMERICAS’ SONS
A Letter To
The Editor
The Olympics have been a much needed diversion to me this
week. Every night I watch with tears as Michael Phelps wins the Gold for the USA.
I think to myself he’s doing it for us, he’s doing it for America. I think we
have all fallen "in Love with Michael" and I love watching his mother
in the stands and her heartfelt response as she sees her son touch the wall yet
again — the winner. What an experience, what a triumph! He is now America’s
son, America’s hero.
It’s such a contrast to flipping on the computer
and checking "My Space" messages from my son, who is also six
thousand miles away and he, too, is soaking wet. But he is not wet from
swimming; he is wet from his own sweat. He, too, is exhausted, but he is
exhausted from carrying an extra 80 pounds of armor and weapons in 120 degrees
for 19 hours. His message today read, "Mom, I’m exhausted from patrolling
all night, chasing bad guys, only get three hours of sleep a day. I’m not
coming home for R&R now till the end of September (third time it’s been
delayed), got to get some shut eye, love ya. Richard." My eyes well up
with tears as sadness strikes through my heart and I think to myself he is
doing this for his country, not for a medal — not even for a paycheck — but
simply for his country. He is an Infantryman, he is a soldier, and he is my
son. I can’t be more proud knowing that he is putting his life on the line for
you and me. Not only him, but every soldier — marine, airman and sailor. They
are all our sons; they are our heroes.
So as Michael Phelps stands up on that podium
and America’s National Anthem is played yet again, while you are welling up
with American Pride and hope, please, please take a moment to think of all
those who are serving this Country. Please honor them as they honor us.
8/16/06 Jeanne Meadows
Richard
Meadows
(Grandson of Charles and Jean Edge)
