Staff Reports
While most Americans enjoy a turkey dinner this Thanksgiving, thousands of patriotic men and women are stationed far from home, donning their uniforms and making sure the rest of us can gobble up our pumpkin pies in peace. Over in East Africa, around 3,000 U.S. service members are holding the line against terrorism, ensuring our nation’s safety amid a myriad of global threats. It’s a stark reminder that freedom isn’t just something we eat for dessert on Thanksgiving. It’s earned, every day, by the sacrifices of our military.
When it comes to specific threats, the situation in Nigeria has caught the President’s attention. With violence against Christians on the rise and horrible incidents like the kidnapping of 300 schoolgirls, the President isn’t one to stand idly by. He’s ready to roll up his sleeves and do something about it. Rumor has it, military plans are being drafted, waiting for the Presidential thumbs up to possibly restore peace in the region. Who knows, maybe those evildoers might get a visit from America’s finest, and hopefully, they don’t come bearing just Thanksgiving leftovers.
Our service members in Africa are busy providing options for the Pentagon. In simpler terms, they’re the ones cooking up a menu of military responses for the President to choose from should the need arise. It appears the military is on standby to be dispatched to Nigeria like a squad of Avengers ready to save the day. While their hearts go out to the victims, they are prepared to make sure that justice is served, hot and fresh, even on a day synonymous with culinary indulgence.
For the brave families back home, the miles and time zones don’t make the holiday spirit any easier. The nation respects their sacrifice and solitude. It might not be on a Hallmark card, but their loved ones stationed in Africa are doing essential work, defending a grateful country from countless unseen threats. No fancy candlelit dinners or Macy’s parades for them; their parade is the daily march to maintain global peace and security.
In times like these, it’s crucial to count our blessings while carving our turkeys. Those service members, not just in Africa but scattered across the globe in the nooks and crannies of strife, ensure that our Thanksgiving tables remain worry-free. On this Thanksgiving, let’s offer a hearty helping of gratitude for their courage, dedication, and the sweet reminder of what it means to be truly free.
