Casting Nets
This week, we celebrate our freedom
Chuck Randle

This letter appeared on the Internet and indicates the kind of persons we have in the military working to maintain our freedom - freedom that is not free - freedom that e v e r y A m e r i c a n should work hard to preserve. It follows a poem written by a Marine just before he went ashore in Iraq.

Hey Dad,

Do me a favor and label this "The Marine" and send it to everybody on your email list.

Even leave this letter in it. I want this rolling all over the US; I want every home reading it. Every eye seeing it. And every heart to feel it. So can you please send this for me? I would but my email time isn't that long and I don't have much time anyway. You know what Dad? I wondered what it would be like to truly understand what JFK said in His inaugural speech.

"When the time comes to lay down my life for my country, I do not cower from this responsibility. I welcome it."

Well, now I know. And I do. Dad, I welcome the opportunity to do what I do. Even though I have left behind a beautiful wife, and I will miss the birth of our first born child, I would do it 70 times over to fight for the place that God has made for my home.

I love you all and I miss you very much. I wish I could be there when Sandi has our baby, but tell her that I love her, and Lord willing, I will be coming home soon. Give Mom a great big hug from me and give one to yourself too.

Aaron Happy Fourth of July to all who enjoy and appreciate our freedom.