I heard the news that morning as I woke up. Drinking my first cup of coffee, I listened as the news broadcaster explained that a U.S. Navy SEAL team had invaded Osama bin Laden’s camp and when it was all over, they were burying his dead body in a watery grave.

I was glad to hear this intelligent terrorist who ordered the deathly chaos on 9/11 was no more. But it hadn’t really sunk in until a little later when I knelt down to put the milker on Shortcake and I heard the National Anthem come over the radio. It was 6 a.m. and just like every other day at 6 a.m., the local radio station signed on to local programming with the playing of our National Anthem.

Hearing that familiar tune that we’ve stood up and taken our hats off for at so many sporting events, it sounded just a little different that morning. Kneeling down on one knee, I held the milker in my hand and just listened. It made me think about our military and how much pride they’ve afforded me and so many others across this free country.

I thought about a boy I knew in high school who spent time in the Army after graduation. I thought about my childhood friend’s husband who is a Navy SEAL and how heroic he is. And of course, I thought about my own personal hero – my father, a Korean War vet who jumped from airplanes saving the lives of injured soldiers.

There are so many of these dedicated soldiers in so many areas of our armed forces; those behind the scenes who will never see a battle, to those on the front lines putting their lives in danger for me and my family. Their eyes see so much more heartache than I will ever have to see in a lifetime. They sacrifice in ways I will never have to imagine. And their families endure so much more anguish than anyone should have to suffer.

Today in the United States, we have something to cheer about; something to swell up in pride about; something that will make us all walk a little taller with a little more confidence. Young boys are finding out just exactly what a Navy SEAL is and in classrooms all over the country, history is not only being taught but being lived.

In Washington, D.C., both sides of the aisle are enjoying a proud moment and our President and Commander-in-Chief has gained a little more popularity among those who didn’t cast their vote for him. People have gathered across the country to celebrate and cheer, not for their favorite sports team but for their favorite country, the U.S.A.

It’s been a wonderful week of victory for the United States and its battle against terror. From the crowded city streets of New York to the quiet country back roads of middle America, all of us have had reason to celebrate.
Although it will never be enough, we do want to say it again – thank you, to the dedicated, intelligent, resilient men and women who serve our country. And thank you to the wives, husbands, children, moms and dads out there who have spent time on your knees praying for your loved ones, who have sent them note after note of encouragement and who have never given up on the United States.

Thank you for your stellar performance … thank you.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Melissa Hart may write to her in care of this publication.