There's something that's been bothering me for a little while now and I thought it would be appropriate to address it on Memorial Day.Another Army Wife made the following comment some time ago on her blog, "The sacrifices made by a full-time employee and a part-time employee are just different by nature; they give less of their time and lead a separate life... honestly a better life." With regard to the same topic she also wrote, "But, I cannot concede that those who are not activated and do their two weeks a year (and a weekend a month) are not entitled to the same title..."
She had been talking about National Guard v. Active-Duty and who can and can not be called a Soldier. I'm not going to argue whether or not a Guardsmen is also a Soldier. That's not what's bothering me. What is bothering me is her insinuation that Soldiers of the National Guard sacrifice less and therefore, are less deserving. (In her case, she believes they are less deserving of the title "Soldier." However, I know that others feel National Guardsmen are less deserving of the same respect that is given to Active-Duty Soldiers. Some of these people have posted as much in comments on my blog.)
I could give a bit of a history lesson here about what exactly the National Guard does, how they are utilized, the amount of time they train, how often they are used overseas etc, etc. I'm not going to though because what I really want to talk about are the sacrifices National Guardsmen and their families make and the respect they deserve because of their sacrifices.
Apparently, according to this Army wife, National Guardsmen only sacrifice part-time and are, therefore, able to lead separate and better lives completely removed from the military. Well, I beg to differ. Tremendously.
While serving in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, 572 men and women of the National Guard have given the ultimate sacrifice for our great country.
These 572 men and women, who only sacrifice "part-time", will never again walk through their front doors. Their "part-time" sacrifices mean their loved ones will never again hear their voices. Their children will never again hug Mommy or Daddy because of the "part-time" sacrifices these Soldiers have made. And their wives and husbands, who know all to well about these "part-time" sacrifices, will never again fall asleep in their arms.
The "part-time" sacrifices made by the 572 men and women of the National Guard earned them a flag-draped casket and it SHOULD earn your respect. Their "part-time" sacrifices entitled them to an American flag on their right shoulders and the words "US Army" over their hearts and it most definitely entitles them to be counted as and among the world's greatest Soldiers that serve in our Army.
The 572 men and women of the National Guard who have died while serving our country did not sacrifice part-time. They sacrificed a lifetime. And every single man and woman who is serving in our National Guard today is willing to do the same.
It is not my place to judge or claim that some servicemembers sacrifice less or more because every day (no matter if they are working on base, making up for lost time at a civilian job because of AT, or serving overseas) they all sacrifice in ways I could never imagine. Merely by serving they have all earned my respect and gratitude.
On this Memorial Day, I want thank and honor ALL military servicemembers who have died while serving our country. Whether they are active-duty, Reserve, or National Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard, all of them have sacrificed. All of them gave the American citizens the most important part of themselves: their lives.
6 comments:
Very well put! While our husbands don't wear acu's everyday, they still made the choice to join the military and protect our freedom's and they can be called up for deployment as easily as someone in the regular army or other branches. Hope you have a good day!
Yes, I'll echo the last comment--well put.
I've never thought to consider that NG should be held in less esteem.
All the branches, all the components of the military have their job and responsibility--and they all made the choice to serve.
It bugs me when people want to start playing the 'who has it better or worst game'.
I put this in one of two categories, either a. its the whole not understanding what you don't know thing or b. its just people who have to compete over everything and constantly one up. Really, when serving uncle sam everyone deserves respect and thanks.
Beautifully written.
ANYONE who puts their life at risk for my freedoms and the freedoms of my children, has earned my respect.
"All gave some, some gave ALL!"
thank you for writing this, it couldn't have been said any better. on memorial day, my husband remembered two "part time" friends - one a reservist who was killed in iraq in 2003, and one a guardsman(woman) who was also killed in iraq. for "part time" they paid the ultimate price. part time OR full time, they say the same oath ( although, the guard oath has the state put in ), they willingly put themselves in harms way and they stand waiting and ready. they all have my respect.
Well said!
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