2004 Soap Box Archives

The Troops 04/02/04

It’s easy for those of us here in the States who don’t have a son or daughter, husband or wife or other close loved one in the military to become a bit blasé about the fact that we have thousands of young men and women who stand in harm’s way twenty-four hours a day.

We see the television news and hear the casualty reports and sometimes I don’t think that we stop and think that it’s not just statistics we’re listening to but the loss of some mother’s precious son or daughter.

We cannot afford to become calloused or hardened to what’s going on in the world, no matter how long our troops are deployed.

Even if you disagree with the politics which put them where they are, if you are a real American you will still support the troops.

Even if you hate their Commander and Chief, as some of you do, if you are a real American you will still support the troops.

Even if you’re a wigged out hippie who opposes war in any form, once our troops are deployed, if you are a real America you will support them.

Our troops deserve our undying support, stop and think, why would a young person in the prime of life go into military service? Well I’ll tell you one thing, it sure as hell ain’t for the pay and it’s pretty tough when you have to explain to your kids why they have to leave their friends and move halfway across the country again.

In my opinion, it’s something deep and profound which motivates most young people to put on that honored uniform. It’s a desire to make their lives mean something special, to serve and protect this nation and willingly do so with their very lives.

These people deserve our respect, our loyalty and our unswerving support and I for one pledge mine.

And by the way troops, good job in Afghanistan! Good job in Iraq!

We’ll be coming to Kosovo next month to do some shows for you guys and gals stationed there. We’re bringing the whole CDB and intend to rock you.

I’ve been tail hooked and catapulted and picked a guitar in the shadow of the 38th Parallel. I’ve been to Seoul, Thule, and Sarajevo and on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean and I loved every minute of it. There’s nothing like bringing a little bit of America to the troops stationed so far away.


If you don’t respect the military, you don’t respect America because without our Armed Forces there would be no America.

If you ever spit on a Vietnam veteran or called one of them a baby killer you are an unspeakable pus bag in my book and if there’s ever a terrorist attack in your neighborhood call Sean Penn.

Pray for our troops.

What do you think?

God Bless America

Charlie Daniels

 

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