Games we play and watch came at a very high price

If you’re over 40 years of age, you probably remember the car commercial jingle that went: “…baseball, hotdogs, apple pie and Chevrolet!”That sentiment — regardless of your preferred brand of automobile — is especially pertinent today, July 4.

Few aspects of everyday life in the U.S., beyond our religious beliefs, are treasured more than our attachment to athletics. It’s splattered across the media, through the recreation department and YMCA fields, the huge stadiums in larger cities, and shows up in our choice of shirts, caps and other clothing.
I sometimes wonder if those brave souls who went ashore during the D-Day invasion of 1944 had an inkling of how American society would evolve as a result of their efforts?
This is a day for pondering such things.

I can’t help but think about our military folks in Iraq and other places at the moment. I’ve had close friends who have had or still have immediate family in harm’s way.I know their loved ones would much rather be watching their own sons and daughters play Little League baseball and soccer, getting in a round of golf or tennis, or simply plopping down on the couch to watch the Yankees and Red Sox with friends or family. They’d like to be there arguing face-to-face with their fellow fantasy league participants.

Everyone has his political opinions about our involvement in wars far from home. What we can agree on, though, is that the men and women serving our country in uniform are doing it so we can continue with this kind of lifestyle, sports and all. Those soldiers know what sacrifice is and how fragile life can be in places where freedom and opportunity for fun an games don’t have deep roots.

As corny as it sounds, the next time you go to a game and stand for the Star Spangled Banner, reflect a minute on just how fortunate we are to enjoy such activities. Our military families have given up a lot to make sure the first pitch does get thrown on time at places like Veterans Field and Keeter Stadium.
Be sure to say thank you to them when you get the chance at the ballpark or anywhere else. They’ve earned it.

Star Sports Editor Alan Ford can be contacted online at alanford@shelbystar.com. His father, Bill Ford, and granddad, Lester Ford, served in the U.S. Army.