Tuesday morning while standing downtown to watch the 152nd MP Company as it departed Hartselle, was a moment that had to make all in attendance proud to be an American. The young men and women are leaving behind their husbands, wives, children, parents, other relatives and friends and will be in harm’s way. These soldiers who volunteered to serve their country deserve our support. The words “Support our Troops” are more than just material for bumper stickers and Facebook. I hope as the buses went through downtown, the soldiers saw the folks of Hartselle waving flags and clapping for them.

The buses carrying the soldiers passed under the flag of the United States of America. Thank you to Hartselle Utilities and their folks for arranging the flag to hang over Main Street as the caravan passed through. The flag was waving proudly with its broad strips and bright stars, symbolic of the greatest nation on earth. The symbol of our freedom was held in high esteem for those willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for all citizens of this great country.

Many, like these young men and women on the buses Tuesday morning, have served since the beginning of our nation to protect our right to assemble. Many people of the world today live under harsh governmental rule and would risk their lives if they chose to come together for any type of reason. Yet we are so blessed as a nation that we want to show our patriotism and love for our country. Americans love nothing better than a parade where the red, white and blue colors are proudly displayed. We actually look for reasons to celebrate and honor those who have served and continue serving in the armed forces to protect all of our freedoms.

We are a blessed nation, able to live our lives in freedom, to pursue our goals and dreams, to worship our God, and feel protected from those who seek to harm us. The men and women serving in the armed forces today are ensuring that we can continue to enjoy all of our liberties, as we have for over 200 years. Each and every soldier has volunteered for this duty and is even willing to sacrifice all they have knowing that they could pay the ultimate sacrifice, for all Americans.

Please keep the soldiers of the 152nd MP in your prayers along with all who are serving. These brave soldiers need all of our support and praise. Also, remember their loved ones left behind. May God continue to Bless America; land of the free and home of the brave.

Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.