Assignment: Reflect on one of the songs we listened to in class ("God Bless the USA," "American Solider," "Who Are They," "Fortunate Son," or "Angry American"). Write a personal reflection on what the meaning of the song, or part of the lyrics, means to you.

By Jasmin Col-iteng, Montour High School Junior

The song “American Soldier” by Toby Keith was thought provoking and special. There is this particular line in the lyrics of the song that caught my attention: “I’m out here on the front line. So sleep in peace tonight.” The way the artist put these words in the song is truly heart wrenching and inspiring.

It is heart wrenching, because while the soldiers are out there sacrificing their lives, having no sleep, tired and hungry. Most of us are here, living a mediocre life, wishing that something unexpected would happen to stimulate the boredom of going through everyday life. I think humanity always takes everything in their life for granted. Only if it’s taken away, will they realize it’s value. I too, take my life for granted. I don’t realize how truly fortunate I am, to have a life like this. It is disappointing how we can easily “wish we were dead,” just because we can't handle the stress we are going through, that is caused by everyday life. We should think about the life of a soldier, who struggles just to get by a day, so they can get home, safe and sound with their families.

It is inspiring, because the soldiers make all of these sacrifices for their family, for their country and for the people who they do not even know. They fight for freedom and for justice. Freedom that is mostly taken advantage of and justice that is not always served.

These particular lyrics of the song spoke to me. Hearing the song for the first time and listening to the artist sing, these certain words, I instantly knew which song I wanted to write my reflection about. These few words hold a message with great importance.