The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

I am THE SOLDIER

-By Elaine Slater Reese

I am the child you dreamed of one day conceiving :the crying infant the doctor placed in your arms: 
the one you held and read stories to the one whose hand you took as you led me to kindergarten
the son you took fishing the daughter you taught to dance 
the teenager you trusted with the car keys
the one you taught the importance of education the one who enlisted in the military.

I am the one in uniform who constantly spits the sand from my mouth, who goes on the mission despite the hideous temperatures, who sees the horrific explosions, the questioning in children's eyes, who prays to the God who holds all the answers.

I am now the one who carries the gun, operates the tank, searches in dark and dangerous places, protects my buddies. I am one who may or may not come home
the one who today has experienced the cost of freedom. I am the soldier who will always understand why we fly the American flag
understands how blessed we in America are
who is thankful for and respects everyone who has served before me.

I AM YOUR CHILD,

AND TODAY I AM THE AMERICAN SOLDIER.