The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Opinion

Related Photos

  • Matthew Stross Globe File

    Matthew Stross.jpg

Discussion

November 12, 2012

Matthew Stross: ‘Sacrifice’

By Matthew Stross Special to The Globe

CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — Matthew Stross, Second place

Grade 12, Carl Junction High School

Parents, Bill and Kim Stross

Teacher, Greg Kissel



I don’t know how it feels to run toward blazing gunfire and deafening explosions, how it feels to deliver the crushing news to a now-widowed wife of a fallen soldier, or how it feels to read a bedtime story to my family from the screen of a computer.

I don’t know what it’s like to walk in the boots of a soldier, but I do know what it’s like to be a free man; I know how it feels to call myself “American.” The United States military offers up so freely the gift of freedom to fellow Americans they don’t even know. They protect our freedom by giving the most reputable sacrifice anyone can give to their country: themselves.

I proudly pledge my allegiance to my country every morning, pray to my God each night, attend school each weekday, and go to church every Sunday. I would call myself lucky, but I know that it wasn’t luck that gave me what I take for granted every day. My freedom was paid for in American blood so bravely shed, sweat so proudly exuded, and sacrifice so generously given. The love that our soldiers have for their country is indescribable, and the sacrifice they make inexpressible. My concerns are, at most, trivial compared to the concerns of the American soldier. They leave behind the comfort of their families and friends, and they give themselves to the complete control of our country. The mental and physical anguish that they must endure is unspeakable; they are taught to defy every fiber of human instinct in their bodies. They press on as they watch their comrades fall to the ground mortally wounded, and pray for safety as they unselfishly run toward the enemy. Our soldiers do these things in the name of fidelity for their country, as we freely go about our daily lives.

It’s almost impossible to describe the patriotism and bravery demonstrated by our men and women in uniform every single day; there are few words that don’t completely understate the sacrifice they make for our country. I have an immeasurable admiration for our American soldiers; they march forward in spite of fear and protect our freedom by laying their lives on the line.

Text Only
Opinion
  • Our View.jpg Our View: Safer schools

    Being able to see for ourselves what would have happened to our children had they been standing in the main hall of their schools during the May 22, 2011, tornado had a profound effect on our understanding of safe schools.

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Marilyn Beasley, guest columnist: Claiming responsibility for abuse of power

    Over the past few months we’ve witnessed the abuse of power by President Barack Obama and his administration.

    May 23, 2013

  • Our View.jpg Our View: ‘Why?’ has no answer

    Just hours before, there was breakfast and laughter. There were pictures on the walls and memories in every room.

    May 22, 2013 1 Photo

  • Our View.jpg Our View: Absent from House

    We can’t figure out why two Missouri legislators think they should be elected to the U.S. House when it appears they can’t seem to show up to take care of business in the Missouri House.

    May 21, 2013 1 Photo

  • Your View: Terrorism is terrorism

    In the May 13 issue of The Joplin Globe there was an Associated Press article concerning the New Orleans shooting.

    May 21, 2013

  • Your View: Terrible injustice

    I see this Jasper County nuisance law as a terrible injustice on the rights of the residents of Jasper County.

    May 21, 2013

  • Your View: Should we be outraged?

    Were there effusive apologies following the lockdown of Boston as most of the continent indulged vicariously in the ongoing manhunt?

    May 21, 2013

  • Phill Brooks, columnist: Missouri Senate did what Founding Fathers had in mind

    George Washington once described the Senate as being like a saucer in which you pour coffee or tea.

    May 20, 2013

  • Other Views Other Views: Conflicts in SEC

    Money talks. In the continuing dispute over the all-too-cozy relationship between the people who create and sell financial products and the people who rate their risk, the money says: Shut up and let us do what we want.

    May 20, 2013 1 Photo

  • Our View.jpg Our View: Fixing failure

    Some 1,200 injured workers will finally get the payments they are owed. In its final week in session, Missouri’s General Assembly, through bipartisan efforts, passed a solution to address the insolvency of the state’s Second Injury Fund.

    May 20, 2013 1 Photo

Local News

Twitter Updates
Follow us on twitter
Follow me on Twitter
Poll

Will the increase in gas prices affect your Memorial Day holiday plans?

Yes.
No.
     View Results
Facebook
NDN Video
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest Wash. State Man Arrested Following Ricin Scare Chain-Reaction School Bus Crash Injures About 50 Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
Sports