In light of the recent deaths of four esteemed Navajo Code Talkers, we are once again reminded of the ultimate sacrifices of those who continue to fight for our freedoms and the true meaning behind celebrating the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.
To this day, there are still thousands of our troops stationed in various parts of this world, fighting not just for our freedom, but for the freedom of countries such as Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan, among others. Regardless of whether or not you support the war efforts of the U.S. and our allies, it is a necessary evil in order to preserve and protect our basic rights and freedoms that we have enjoyed for the past 233 years.
Even now, people in Iran are still fighting with those in power over the outcome of their recent election. As recently as a week ago, news reports were stating that those in power had been contemplating that demonstrators be killed simply for speaking out. Speaking out against those in power is one of our most fundamental rights and should never be taken for granted.
Here in America, we made history by electing the very first African-American president. Now more than ever before, Native Americans are coming to power and are being represented in various positions within the federal government such as we've never seen before. This all came to pass as a result of our brave soldiers who fight for us every day.
In recent weeks, we have read in the news where a number of sites that are sacred to Native Americans are under attack from those who seek to make profits from these sites. Yet, because we live in a free country, we are free to protest these actions and to exercise our own freedom of religion, whereby we exercise our right to practice our distinct religions, whether it's in a church, sweat lodge or kiva. Here in America, we are fortunate to be free to worship all forms of gods and deities.
That being said, it is my hope that the sacrifices of our fallen warriors will never, ever be forgotten. The personal sacrifices that these brave young Navajo men made in service to their country at the onset of WWII allow for us to continue living as we have been, despite the fact that we still live in an imperfect world. It is my hope that ALL Americans will remember the great sacrifice that was made by these brave Native warriors and that they won't become just another footnote in American history.
In addition, we still have many of our beloved sons, daughters, brothers, fathers, mothers, cousins and numerous other family members out fighting to keep our freedoms intact much like their forefathers did. It is because of their sacrifices that allow us to freely elect our leaders and enjoy such a democracy.
So come this Fourth of July holiday, no matter what your faith or nationality, please take a few moments to pray for all of our brave men and women - Native and non-Native - who are out fighting for our blessed country's independence. And regardless of whether you are able to enjoy fireworks this year or not, have fun on the Fourth with your family and friends, but please do so safely!
Reader Comments
Posted: Monday, October 05, 2009
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hi. im currently on my 4th tour in iraq.just like to say thanks for support from the navajo reservation. graduated from Tuba City High School in 1997 and went into the Army. Deployed to Kosovo in 98-99. My name is SGT Stewart Chief stationed in Ft. Riley,KS
