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FREEDOM: Saluting SFC Sharp

| September 11, 2019 1:00 AM

Jeffrey, maybe if you knew a bit more about the sacrifice wounded warrior Army Sgt. 1st Class Brian Sharp made for our country, you would come away with a better perspective about what was taking place the day traffic was backed up on the freeway.

Perhaps if you could have seen the smile on SFC Sharp’s face when he saw the hundreds of citizens who came out to honor him, it would put a different light on things for you. Conceivably, if you were there among the crowd and saw the tears, pride, respect and unity offered by those standing in the rain, waving their flags and homemade signs, it would reach a better place in your heart.

Teaching sacrifice and things more important than self, parents and grandparents brought children who stood in awe of the lights and sirens of our first responders. Those first responders, (including Idaho State Police) who themselves daily put their lives on the line, I’m sure were grateful to be there. They fully understand the importance of honoring those who so valiantly fight for our freedoms.

This heartfelt escort was simply a small gesture in light of all other service these people demonstrate and daily live. But it was a gesture important for everyone of all ages to understand. Pride in our flag, our nation and appreciation for the incredible sacrifice of our military was on full display that day. Honor, when deserved, is something desperately needed with all that is occurring in communities across America.

It is ONLY BECAUSE of people like SFC Sharp, willing to fight battles abroad, that YOU are able to move freely about and then later publicly complain about your short lived discomfort. There was no one in danger that day and I suspect you know that.

Perhaps if you took the time to read SFC Sharp’s heartfelt thank you to the community, you would understand what he saw that day: “It is absolutely remarkable to come home and see the streets lined with passion, hope, faith, and most importantly — family.”

That’s what I saw, too. And because of people like him, we will forever maintain that.

JAN CONNER

Athol