Military Wife

The following was written about 4 years ago when my husband was retiring from the USMC. The words I wrote then are even more true today and I felt it should be shared here.

It is not often that I find the desire to wax poetic about the honor of being a military wife, but maybe the impending retirement of my husband has found me nostalgic. Not that there certainly isn’t every reason to be unbelievably proud of my unique position. It is more that I am simply not the sentimental type. This year, however, I find my heart aching with pride each time I hear the National Anthem sung. I surreptitiously wiped tears from my eyes during the Colors Ceremony at the most recent Marine Corps Ball. My husband is retiring from the US Marine Corps after 27 years of active duty service.

I have tried to tell him a few times how incredibly proud I am of his many years of selfless service to his country … my country. I have tried to relay to him my thankfulness for the work he has done that allows me to speak freely, walk without fear and worship in any way I choose. But as I have already mentioned … sentimentality is not my strong suit. So today, spurred by the intense feelings the last few months have inspired, I write those feelings left so often unsaid.

Most of my life, I have given thanks for “freedom” in an almost nonchalant manner. As Americans, this is something we simply take for granted. In another country, my tendency towards brash statements would see me jailed, or worse. In another country my son might not be given the opportunity to learn the theories of evolution and creationism. In another country, I would not be allowed to vote for the politician I think best represents my personal interests. And if I happen to not agree with the politician who IS elected, I would not be able to voice my dissatisfaction.

The United States of America is still operating with a volunteer military. That means that every man and woman who enlists in the armed forces is making a conscious choice that they are willing to lay down their life for MY freedom if it becomes necessary. Whether they enlist in the Guard, Reserves or an Active Duty service, they are saying that they believe freedom is worth any cost, even their very lives. What an incredible sacrifice to make in order to ensure that I, Christina Gagliano, can stay here and brashly state my opinion whenever I feel so moved. What unbelievable selflessness to ensure that I, Christina Gagliano, can worship any God I want, even if they don’t happen to agree with my personal choice. How fortunate am I to live in a place where men and women are willing to lay down their lives for the sake of freedom. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to peaceful assembly, the right to trial by jury, the right to defend my personal property, the right to choose my elected officials, the assurance that I will not be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment. Years ago I studied the Constitution and its amendments, but only recently has its power affected my life so profoundly.

I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to see a hero in action. I am thankful that I have watched as my Marine shipped off to a foreign country to defend the rights I take for granted. I am thankful that I will always have this incredible testimony to give my son as he grows up in a land which is increasingly more unaware of how special and unique its freedoms are. I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to know the hearts and souls of so many of our nation’s unsung heroes during my years as Marine Corps wife. I am thankful that I have been able to witness not only the sacrifice of the service members, but also that of their families. Not one is untouched by the honor and pride of being a part of this incredible family of heroes. I am thankful that I can count among my friends these brave, selfless, sacrificial people. I am staggeringly proud to be the wife of Sgt. Major Christopher Gagliano, who has faithfully and selflessly served his country for 27 years.

My hope is that you will reflect on the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of this great United States of America. That you will remember with pride and thankfulness the men and women who are serving overseas and at home to ensure that, if you so choose, you may say grace at your dinner table. I pray that your heart will swell with pride each and every time you hear the National Anthem and that you will never forget the sacrifices still being made to ensure that you live in a land of freedom.