Redstate

By Matt Sanchez Posted in War — Comments (2) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

This Independence Day, I can't help but recall some of my past Fourth of July celebrations. On one 4th of July, I was at bootcamp in Parris Island. As platoon leader, I got to hold the American flag during the the festivities on the parade deck. It was a long day, hot weather and I had to remain perfectly still. There's nothing like a military ceremony to celebrate the Fourth of July and on that day, despite the heat, cramps and bugs, I was enormously proud of being an American.

Last 4th of July, I was in Baghdad with the 1st Squadron of the 4th Calvary on FOB Falcon. The neighborhood the 1-4 Cav covered was one of the most hostile areas in all of Baghdad and the residents had seen a lot of violence.

Anyone who has been to Iraq knows there are tons of kids everywhere. I liked asking kids questions because they give the most direct and honest responses. Here's what one kid told me about the American soldiers who patrolled his neighborhood.

I've often said that the best that the United States has to offer are serving in the military and in combat zones like some of the neighborhoods in Baghdad. Armed with little more than their dedication to their duty and to one another, the men and women of the United States military have turned the tide on what seemed an impossible situation. Their stories, on this day, the birth of our country, deserved to be honored and remembered.