Life in "central Jersey" has been a little more challenging lately. Like the rest of the US, we've seen our gas prices go up, our home values go down, and the ever increasing number of properties continue to sit on the market. Our corporate executives have seen several rounds of lay offs, our school budgets have failed, and our taxes have continued to go up. Why would someone continue to live here?
Well, let me offer this perspective. Our county is (still) a somewhat rural, upper-middle class area where people choose to raise their family. Financial woes aside, the "community" is amazing. A couple of weeks back, a friend's son, Kyle, decided that while home on leave from the US Army, he would walk a 25-mile ruck in honor of fallen soldiers and those that continue to serve our country. He mentioned to a few friends that if anyone would like to donate supplies to military units in Afghanistan, where he will soon be deployed to, he would connect with Soldier's Race Team to arrange for shipment over seas.
And the flood gates were opened. Supplies started pouring in. Bags and boxes of toiletries, non-perishable foods and snacks, magazines, under shirts and boxer shorts, sunscreen and hand wipes have continued to arrive from friends, veterans and total strangers. These simple items, which we take for granted on a daily basis, will become a gift to the soldiers that receive them. The community more than embraced the concept. Scout troops, high school students, friends and friends of friends will join Kyle in his walk. Children with American flags will parade with him, the local and state police and fire departments will provide an escort and dozens of proud Americans will salute his noble efforts. An after-party at our new facility to honor the event's extraordinary ability to forge togetherness has been planned with donated tents, port-a-johns, food, and drink from our local Shop Rite, McDonald's, Rental Centers and a host of others.
You see, all we needed was a hero. All of the other makings of a community are present, vibrant actually. People here genuinely care about the area. They care about the people. And, obviously, they care about our country. What continually amazes me is how we can put aside our different views - our overall sentiments about the decisions our President and his predecessors have made - and stand up and applaud the selfless acts that our soldiers perform on a daily basis. Thank you, Kyle, our home-town hero. Know that in Hunterdon, our soldiers never walk alone. We pray for your safe return.
No comments:
Post a Comment