Robert Safuto

Today is Veteran's Day. A day when we honor those who have served in our nation's military. Some of my most vivid memories of military service involve the hardships I endured along with the members of my unit. We were tired, cold, scared, hungry, dirty, wet more than we wanted to be. And that was only during the 14 weeks of basic infantry training. Over the next four years I learned of many of the sacrifices that the men and women of our armed services make every day. But that was also during peacetime. 

Those serving in the military today face even harsher conditions. Many are, or have recently been, under fire from the enemy. Isolation from the pleasures of home is not merely about being stuck in a bunk at Fort Benning. Rather, it's about being in a tent in Iraq or Afghanistan. Feelings of pain and fear aren't about whether or not they will fall out of a ruck march. They're about whether they will make it through the next patrol or guard shift in one piece. So although I've served I consider my service to be minimal compared to what people serving today go through. So I wanted to say thank you to all those serving today and all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Now more than ever it is the hardest thing you do.

A couple of years ago I sat down to write the following words and I later put them to music. These words crystallized what I was feeling at the time about the sacrifices being made by our troops. 

The Hardest Thing

Hey you out there on the front lines
I know it's no good time, but you're still there
I know you've been living in the darkness
And it's the hardest thing you do
But you do

I know it's easy to feel all alone
When you're far from home and can't find peace
Just remember that we're by your side
We're filled with pride for all you do
And you do

Losing too much sleep
Too many times
Standing up straight
Walking the line
Praying that you and your brothers make it back home

Hey you out there on the front lines
It's the hardest thing you do 

We're breaking down terror it's falling apart
Red white and blue runs through my heart
Let's win this thing so that we can all get back home

We're all with you in the darkness
Please believe me don't despair

Audio Version