By JOHNNIE ALLEN WEST

With the recent dedication of a Blue Star Marker and a beautiful Veterans' Monument in Wagener, which was crafted by one of our own area residents, Ron Clamp, the approaching Fourth of July holiday should hold a special significance for all of us. As we remember our ancestors who fought for our independence, we cannot help but think about all our neighbors and friends who have family members currently fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, and other areas of the world, to maintain the same freedoms they fought for more than 200 years ago!

I have been thinking a great deal about our current American heroes and who they really are. The greatest of these are the men and women who have volunteered to serve in our military forces at a time when they most certainly cannot be assured of their own safety. They have volunteered for positions that take them far away from family and friends and, more often than not, place them in harm's way.

Most of the ones I have been privileged to meet are doing what they do because they are proud to be Americans and want to protect the freedoms that you and I have become accustomed to enjoying! If you are anything like me, it is very easy to go about our business every day without giving a single thought to the people who are actually making it possible for us to do so!

As most of you already know, I am a Marine Corps mom, albeit one who has aged considerably over the past six months, because my only child has been serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan. I can honestly tell you that I now see the families of our soldiers serving in war zones as true American heroes! Had I not had this personal experience, I probably would not realize how emotionally draining such a deployment is on family members.

I am very fortunate to report that my son is now back in the States, safe and sound in mind, body and spirit. I cannot begin to express how grateful I am for this blessing, because I know that many of his colleagues paid the ultimate price and have not come home to their families!

The families of these soldiers are most definitely heroes, as they have sacrificed what is nearest and dearest to them - their loved ones.

I have learned one very valuable lesson throughout my son's deployment, and that is the fact that there are a lot of American heroes living in small-town America who may not be wearing uniforms, but they are showing their patriotism as they go about their everyday affairs.

They are the individuals like Honey Heyward of Gilbert who walked into our store three days after J.D. deployed for Afghanistan, introduced herself to us and told us that she knew J.D. and that a mutual friend had told her he had been deployed.

She carried an armful of patriotic-inspired gifts for us and told us how much she appreciated what our son was doing, and the sacrifices we were making. She left her phone number with us, and said to call her anytime we needed any help.

Honey paid us two more unexpected visits during J.D.'s absence, each time laden with gifts, smiles, and encouragement. I have since learned that she devotes a great deal of her personal time to visiting with families of those serving their country. She really qualifies as an American hero in my book!

Robert Ray, a Wagener resident, asked about J.D. often and took the time to send him two care packages, which were much appreciated by all of J.D.'s men!

Area school children sent J.D. letters of encouragement, and several area churches, including Clinton United Methodist and Wagener United Methodist, sent him care packages.

Aunts, uncles and cousins rallied to the cause, with care packages that were shared by many, even though they were addressed to J.D.! My coworkers all pitched in to provide money to send a box of goodies. The list could go on and on.

Many area churches sent me copies of their bulletins showing that they had placed J.D. on their prayer lists. One of my customers, Edward Swartz, walked into the store one morning and handed my husband and me a beautiful clock that plays the Marine Corps hymn every hour, on the hour. Everyday this clock reminds us that someone cares about us, and what our son is doing for the cause of freedom in America.

The moral of this story is that there are many heroes all around us. We do not necessarily have to be wearing a uniform to show our appreciation for our freedoms. As we approach this Fourth of July, consider what you have to offer others in your community and be willing to reach out to those who need you.

Remember, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background we all have something to share in the way of American patriotism.

Happy July 4th, and God bless America!