Trip to Walter Reed Medical Center is live American history
I recently had the opportunity to go to Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C., via a bus trip sponsored by American Legion Post 25, Milltown. The purpose of the trip was to thank our military troops for their service, dedication and sacrifice of themselves to keeping our country and citizens free. There were 27 of us in all making the trip to spend just a few moments with each soldier on the wards. We handed out a gift package to include a backpack, embroidered cap "All American Veteran," a gift card and calling card provided by Post 25.

I was nervous about seeing our young troops' injuries and even more nervous about possibly breaking out in tears in front of them or wondering what I'd say to start a conversations.

As we walked around the floors, yes, I saw amputees in wheelchairs or using prosthetics. Yes, some lost use of their limbs and vision, and yes, they were very young — age 20 and 21. But no, not one complained about being in the military, their job or the fact they are now debilitated for life. Not one told me they wished they never joined the armed forces.

All the fears I had about not knowing what to say or possibly crying in front of them was quickly replaced by smiles and laughter. Just when I thought I was going there to try to lift their spirits, they lifted mine.

When I walked into this young corporal's room, I opened the curtain and asked, "How are you feeling today?" I saw a young man in bed, his right arm in a hard plastic cast from his shoulder to his fingertips. He smiled and extended his left hand to me for a handshake. I didn't wonder from there what to say — I thanked him for his service and asked him what his job was and what happened to him. He told me about the blast in his Humvee and how he tried to shield his face with his arms. He told me that he has no use of his right arm and he could only lift up his left arm halfway. He lifted his left arm and extended his hand to me even though he had nerve damage and could not feel my handshake. I told him I could hear his northern accent and he quickly said, "No, I can hear yours!" and we both laughed.

I spoke to another corporal whose head was bandaged and whose blinking of his eyes was very slow. He told me about his injury and nerve damage and the fact he has a small part of his skull missing to keep the swelling down on his brain. He asked me to sign his journal, a book he has all his visitors sign.

After visiting on the wards, we then went for lunch to the Bologna House. There were a few soldiers in the hallway and we were able to speak to them, thank them and give them a gift pack. From there, we were taken to the World War II Memorial and then to the Korean and Vietnam memorials before departing for home.

This was an incredible experience for me. We even had a young college student on the bus whose mother did not want him to go, but he told her he was going and joined us. He was able to get an opportunity to see his own peers sacrificing everything so that one day, because they volunteered to serve, he would never have to be drafted.

Instead of schools going on trips to Spain or to Great Adventure and spending hundreds to thousands of dollars, they should consider spending the $50 in gas and packing a lunch and go to Walter Reed Medical Center and see and speak to American history in person.

Parents, don't be afraid to let your children see these brave soldiers; there is nothing to be afraid of. It will be a worthwhile and uplifting experience they will never forget. These men and women volunteer their lives so your child doesn't have to.

Dawn M. Firsing-Paris

North Brunswick