A pair of boots lay in the sand. A rifle is placed in between, the stock draped in a kevlar helmet. This is the fallen soldier’s battle cross, a memorial to a serviceman killed in combat. At first glance, this is nothing more than a tribute honoring the dead, but the battle cross epitomizes one specific trait: selflessness. When a serviceman completes basic training, they pledge to protect and serve, to risk their life for the wellbeing of their fellow citizens. They have made a commitment to give their life for the safety of the United States. We often overlook the significance of this oath. The concept of sacrifice is difficult to truly comprehend until we are confronted with it. The servicemen honored with the battle cross understood sacrifice. They cared not for their own wellbeing, but for that of their country. It was no longer “I” to them. For these soldiers, their pledge to protect and serve would stop only in death, sacrificing everything for the protection of others.
In times as turbulent as these, it is easy to become entangled in anti-military sentiment. The U.S. military is as divisive as it is necessary, as hated as it is revered in our society. The fallen soldier’s battle cross paints a different picture of our military. It removes the atrocities of war, the violence and bloodshed of combat, and leaves only the selfless act of a single soldier. As a symbol, the battle cross works to inspire others to act not for themselves, but for their fellow men. It asks us to think outside of ourselves and perform good for those around us. Persuasion is unnecessary with the battle cross. Its message is clear to all. One life was nobly given for the good of millions.