2008 Woodie Awards
Thank a soldier and volunteer
Issue date: 3/24/08 Section: Forum
You see them every day on campus, but you think nothing of it. You turn on the news each night to see brave men and women fighting for each and every citizen of the United States, but you turn the channel. You may have friends and family who are members, but you choose to block out that part of their life. I am talking about our nation's military, an elite group of men and women who sacrifice their lives for the sake of this great country. Should we take these people for granted? I shudder at the thought.
Upon the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq, we must honor the sacrifices of our militia by setting an example for others to follow: thank a troop when you see him or her walking in the Student Union Building. Visit a local veteran's organization and help out in any way you can. Help fill care packages that will be sent overseas. Simply make an effort to say that you appreciate their dedication and service. This is a simple task, yet is often overlooked it.
Most importantly, vote. Freedom is not free, it has been paid by years of blood, sweat and tears from our forefathers up to the present-day soldier. Voting reassures our soldiers that people care about and acknowledge their individual freedom and take full advantage. It shows them that the citizenry wants to impact the course of our nation and ultimately the course of our soldiers. It does not matter who you choose to vote for, just simply do it. I will leave you with a quote from Ernest Hemingway: "Once we have a war there is only one thing to do. It must be won. For defeat brings worse things than any that can ever happen in war." Just food for thought.
Joe Pellman
Chairman of the UT
College Republicans
Senior Political Science
Upon the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq, we must honor the sacrifices of our militia by setting an example for others to follow: thank a troop when you see him or her walking in the Student Union Building. Visit a local veteran's organization and help out in any way you can. Help fill care packages that will be sent overseas. Simply make an effort to say that you appreciate their dedication and service. This is a simple task, yet is often overlooked it.
Most importantly, vote. Freedom is not free, it has been paid by years of blood, sweat and tears from our forefathers up to the present-day soldier. Voting reassures our soldiers that people care about and acknowledge their individual freedom and take full advantage. It shows them that the citizenry wants to impact the course of our nation and ultimately the course of our soldiers. It does not matter who you choose to vote for, just simply do it. I will leave you with a quote from Ernest Hemingway: "Once we have a war there is only one thing to do. It must be won. For defeat brings worse things than any that can ever happen in war." Just food for thought.
Joe Pellman
Chairman of the UT
College Republicans
Senior Political Science
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