One Nation Under God

They destroyed our World Center of Trade
But our faith, beliefs, and patriotism will not fade
They took the lives of those inside
But they cannot, will not, take our pride.

They destroyed towers and a symbol of power
Actions they will regret at a judgment hour
Fathers, Mothers, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters
Lives were lost
Policemen and firemen doing a job paid the cost.

Fear they tried to cultivate
Anger instead, realized too late
The American Dream and Freedom they tried to crush
Instead, to Justice we rush.

A sleeping giant has been awakened
With friends and allies not to be shakened
Separation was sought by their hand
Instead: One Nation, under God, united we Stand.

1LT Bryan A Peterman
USARNG
©Copyright 20 September 2001

The touching and meaningful words above were written by Bryan A. Peterman, one of our great American Soldiers currently serving in Iraq.  He gave his permission for me to add this to my page.  He said, "It was written to honor those lost on 9-11-01, those that would be called to the War on Terror, and those that would pay the ultimate price of Freedom."

Thank you Bryan, and God bless you and all the soldiers who are currently serving our country.  He is also included in the above slideshow above as one of our American Soldiers. 

~ StinaLisa ~

The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired,   tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's; but he has never collected unemployment either.  

He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and 155mm howitzer. He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk.

He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must. He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional.  He can march until he is told to stop or stop until he is told to march.

He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity.  He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry. He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle.  He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts. If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food.  He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job. He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death then he should have in his short lifetime.

He has stood atop mountains of dead bodies, and helped to create them. He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.  He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.

Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom.  Beardless or not, he is not a boy.  He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.

He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood.  And now we even have woman over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so. As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot.. A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.

~ Author Unknown ~

Our American Soldiers have traveled overseas for our country.  Many have left, and many have safely returned home, but there are many, both male and female American Soldiers, who gave their lives for our country. This web page is a tribute to all our American Soldiers who served our country.  The above slideshow includes photos people have sent to me of their American Soldier, and I would like to add more.

If you have a photo of a friend or a loved one who is currently serving our country, or one who has served and returned home, or an honored American soldier who gave his or her life while serving our country, I would like to include them in this slideshow.   Please send me a photo with their name to stinalisa [at] stinalisa.com and I will add their picture to this tribute of our American Soldiers.

American Soldier