Photo Credit: US Military/Chris Baskow
According to the Webster’s Dictionary, the 4th of July is defined as: A national holiday celebrating the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Without our service men and women who have sacrificed and fought for the United States of America. We would not be here today enjoying barbecues, family events, sporting events etc. On this 4th of July, I would like to dedicate a piece to a Flyers fan, hero, and a true American patriot, my brother Chris Baskow.
He served in the United States military for six and a half years. During his tenure he was stationed in Kansas and in Germany at Ramstein Air Force Base. Chris enjoyed his time in the military, and he moved up the ranks to staff sergeant before his tenure ended in the military. He did three tours in the desert between Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Of course, at times these missions were confidential, so our family did not know of his whereabouts for a period of time. Each time he did it with class and dignity.
I’ll never forget one moment in 2004 when the Flyers were playing the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Finals. I had tickets to game six, and I was featured on ESPN before the game started. It just so happens that my brother saw me from his base in Iraq as he and some soldiers were watching the game from their barracks. After the Flyers won game six 5-4 in overtime to tie the series at three. Some people around the Philadelphia region were honking their horns, dancing in the streets, it was a celebration. I remember walking down the street and people were honking horns as I donned my Flyers Jersey. Shortly after the game my brother called and he just wanted to check in. You can sense the jubilation in his voice, but he always said “I wish I could be there, but I got a job to do.”
The military changed him. He’s a hero, a patriot. Chris fought and thought of Americans each and every day. This is what service men and women do on a daily basis, they should be given recognition for their services for doing something that some are scared to do. On this July 4th holiday please remember all of those who have sacrificed, and have worn a military uniform.
These selfless acts continue to keep us safe here at home. We are proud to be an American, and I will leave you with lyrics by Lee Greenwood (God Bless The USA):
“If tomorrow all the things were gone
I worked for all my life
And I had to start again
With just my children and my wife
I’d thank my lucky stars
To be livin’ here today
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom
And they can’t take that away
And I’m proud to be an American where as least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land, God bless the U.S.A’
From the lakes of Minnesota
To the hills of Tennessee
Across the plains of Texas
From sea to shining sea
From Detroit down to Houston
And New York to L.A.
Well, there’s pride in every American heart
And it’s time we stand and say that I’m proud to be an American Where at least I know I’m free And I won’t forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I’d gladly stand up
Next to you and defend her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land (love this land)God bless the USA
And I’m proud to be an American
Where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I’d gladly stand up
Next to you and defend her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land (love this land) God bless the USA
