by Chris Bonham, Intern Writer

Presents. Shopping. Singing carols at a family get-together with hot drinks near at hand. Nearly everyone in the United States can immediately recognize the sights, smells, and sounds of the holiday season. It is a time to laugh, love, and focus on what is important. It is a time of celebration for some people, and a source of loneliness for others.

When asked what the most important component of the holidays is, the response is most often “family”. While people’s tones and feelings may differ, the general answer will be the same. Family and the holidays seem to go hand-in-hand with one another. After all, who doesn’t spend time with their relatives over the holidays?

Well, unfortunately, this question shows how Americans have taken the privilege of celebrating the holidays for granted. While Americans sit in their comfortable homes, they often lose sight of everything going on in the world around them.

This year alone, nearly 120,000 fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, sons, and daughters will not get to see their families during the holidays. These are not denizens of some remote third world nation. These are Americans.

I am referring to the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. These incredible people, who risk their lives for their fellow citizens, never ask for any kind of repayment or thanks. Consequently, they stray from the minds of most people, until they are forgotten entirely over the holiday season. Everyone is guilty of this at some point.

However, as one Irish proverb states best, “May you never forget what is worth remembering.” U.S. soldiers deployed overseas are definitely worth remembering, especially during the holidays.

But the idea of remembering something is entirely defeated without a practical application. So, what can be done for the troops?

There are many different ways in which people may support the troops, but one of the best things is sending a holiday care package. A care package is a good way of giving a soldier something tangible during this festive season. It may be the only thing that that soldier receives while deployed.

Another advantage of these gifts is that they can be extremely inexpensive, if desired. Anyone, from small children to elderly citizens, can easily put one of these packages together. There are many different ways in which people can compile and send gifts to a soldier.

One great reference site on care packages is: www.supportourtroops.org. This site covers everything from how to put a package together to getting it shipped.

Regardless of the materials, methods, or references used, time is of the essence. Remember that these men and women are risking their lives for America. Let’s show them how much they are appreciated this holiday season.