When We Bleed Red, White & Blue

Today I stood on a grassy bank at the edge of a thoroughfare and waved a little American flag.

PFC Cale Clyde Miller

I was just one of what the news stations said were hundreds who gathered to honor a hometown hero.

His name was Cale C. Miller. He was a private first class in the U.S. Army. He was 23 years old.

Cale not only voluntarily put himself in harm's way in the service of country, but also saved two of his buddies during the mission that claimed his life.

His mother, who wrote a beautiful obituary, began it this way: “The American Soldier does not fight because he hates who is in front of him. He fights because he loves who is behind him.” (Author unknown)

Cale was a unique individual. Yet he also was the face of every U.S. soldier who ever lost his or her life in battle.

In being willing to fight for his country, Cale—and those who went before him—affirmed that the United States not only is individuals of every race, color and creed, but also a nation that stands together.

We stand together on a grassy bank and wave the flag as dozens of Patriot Guard, police officers, military personnel, a grieving family and a hearse carrying the remains of a soldier roll by.

We stand together to help neighbors who have lost everything to natural disasters.

We stand together to aid other countries devastated by war, poverty and disease.

And although we sometimes disagree politically, we still can stand shoulder to shoulder against a common enemy, understanding that freedom is not free.

The reason?

The U.S. is every one of US!

Thank you, PFC Cale Miller.

Rest in peace.