MIAMI BLUEPRINTS
918-542-4421
Throughout the history of America, millions of soldiers of all stripes have given their lives in order to protect the men, women, and children who call this great country home. But, over the years, some veterans' sacrifice has gone unnoticed. Today, we seek to honor all who have served, specially those whose sacrifice we too often forget.
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During the Civil War, volunteering to serve in the army as an African American was like painting a target on your back for swift and severe retribution. An article in the New Yorker states that "no one was more at risk of experiencing violence and targeted racial terror than black veterans" who served in the Civil War. The ultimate sacrifice was heightened even more for these servicemen because, not only did they have the risk of dying while in combat, but they didn't come home to people thanking them for their service. Instead, they came home to grave threats to their families, property, and lives. Today, we remember their sacrifice and bravery in fighting for our country.
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Although Memorial Day is traditionally considered the day to honor those who gave their lives in military service, we believe that those individuals deserve remembrance on Veterans' Day as well. On Memorial Day, we remember the passing of those brave soldiers, but today, we wish to remember their service given while they lived and fought. We also forget to appreciate the families of the fallen on this momentous day. These families have given their loved ones who defended our country, and we often forget that great price that they continue to pay, all for our safety, all for our freedoms. today, we remember you and everything that you and your family have contributed and given up for this free nation we know and love.
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I hope to have shed some light on those who have courageously served, even without getting the recognition they deserve. We appreciate the many sacrifices of the forgotten, and today we hope we honor all who have served.
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Phoenix Burrow
EDITORIAL
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as PTSD, ruins people. At least, it ruined my father. He was deployed when the twin towers were attacked. He was deployed three more times after that. He watched his best friends die, he has been shot, and he witnessed the deaths of dozens of innocent people.
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When he returned, he was completely different. He later was diagnosed with severe PTSD and depression. When he doesn't take his medication, he believes he is still stuck in war. He thinks everyone around him is trying to kill him and he becomes abusive. He avoids going out in public because it triggers certain emotions. He struggles with separating his memories with real life. He attempted suicide the summer of 2016.
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People don't understand the sacrifices that the men and women fighting for our country have to make. They won't stand and pledge to the flag because it's just a piece of cloth. The flag represents the brave men and women like my father, It represents our veterans who gave their lives for our freedoms. Our freedom isn't free. The flag represents us as a nation. It's supposed to unite us, not divide us.
To me, the American flag is a lot more than just a piece of cloth.
MHS Student