I learned something new on this 4th of July while watching the 2007 documentary, Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq. While Alive Days are not exclusive to the military, the film demonstrates the "victory over death" significance of the term. The story of each wounded veteran was told through their memories and graphic video of the events that altered their lives forever. (Most of the videos were posted on the internet by insurgents, apparently a common practice to celebrate their successes.) While viewing these heart wrenching stories, I was struck by the numbing insulation we have from our country's military battles and the casualties, both ours and those of the people we are fighting. I felt blessed to see the scars, the tears, the struggles, the hope and perseverance that these heroes shared. I hope it makes me more aware and more grateful for the freedom that I should never take for granted.
