Today, I am chilling at a local Starbucks and am glad that I didn’t make any plans to be with friends during this 4th of July. Mind you, it is not that I am anti-social but, it is just a simple desire to be left alone… by myself processing-reflecting on–blessings of freedom–that our country enjoys. And as I sit with a cup of java, I look out the window and see American flags hanging on the city light posts. And with a sigh, I am thinking about a quote from Thomas Paine. This quote intertwines two thoughts: the return of a few veterans from combat that struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the blessings of freedom.
“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.”–Thomas Paine
This quote reminds me of soldiers (including sailors and airmen) who have undergone prolonged fatigue derived in combat. Set aside your political aspirations, these citizens raised their right hands pledging allegiance to the American flag to support and defend the U.S. Constitution of the United States. In doing so, they were transformed from citizen to soldier bearing a sacred duty. They say that the military community makes up about just under one percent of our population. And yet, these few soldiers bear the burdens of freedom for all. When called upon, they pack a few items into their duffel bags and leave family and friends behind to head off to unknown territory to engage an enemy in combat so that, perhaps, our dutiful actions may make this world a safer place for our grandchildren. And yet, there are a few soldiers who may not experience all the blessings of freedom on this Independence day.
I came across a Star Tribune article today (click on link below) and it brought tears to me realizing that a few veterans may not experience a blessing of freedom. Today, the sounds of holiday celebrations can trigger PTSD symptoms in some veterans. You see, most soldiers spent a considerable amount of time in combat. Just to give you an idea, as a Chaplain, I have been in the Army for about 42-months. And, just over 21-months (out of 42-months) I have been in combat. And, there are soldiers who have more combat time than me!! And for a few veterans, when the battle ends and they return home another battle begins: a journey of healing from PTSD (i.e., survivors guilt, anxiety and other emotional and psychological sufferings) on this Independence Day. To be sure, their wounded souls daily bear the price of freedom. And so, here are a few lines from the article that jumped out at me:
“Post Traumatic Stress Disorder affects about 7.7 million, and for many of them July 4th is an ordeal, not a celebration.”
“For some veterans, the holiday sparks painful memories; for others the crackling loud noises resemble the horrifying sounds of war.”
“Myers said veterans should remember that it’s not a sign of weakness to acknowledge their symptoms during the holiday, and that they’re best off communicating with family members or friends if they begin to feel symptoms of PTSD.”
For our veterans that may not experience all the blessings of freedom, I will leave this prayer, a Serenity Prayer for PTSD:
GOD,
Grant us the Serenity
to accept the memories we cannot change
the courage to heal the wounds we can, and
wisdom to know the difference. AMEN.
As you remember your blessings of freedom today, would you whisper the Serenity Prayer above for our veterans who experienced PTSD?
