Memorial Day invites me to reflect on the honored dead and my future military service

I have long felt a calling to military service.

When I was younger, like any little kid, I dreamed of “being a soldier,” but as I got older, it became something more serious.

My grandfather, grandmother, and uncle all served in the U.S. Army, and two of my cousins ​​currently do, too. One of them recently graduated from Virginia Military Institute and was promoted to lieutenant in the Marines.

Through interacting with my grandfather, my uncle and especially my cousins, my attitude changed from a childish one to a sincere and appreciative one. I observed these people and how they lived their daily lives and decided that I would serve my country no matter what.

While military service brings personal benefits such as discipline and overall mental development, service also allows me to be part of something bigger than myself and to give back to my country.

Even though my military career is over, it will have had a positive impact on me because I will ultimately be more selfless. This selflessness and discipline is exactly what I have observed in my family members and friends who have served in the military.

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I would have served in the army even if West Point had not accepted me

Aside from personal growth, serving in the U.S. Army allows me to give back to my country and honor all the brave men and women who have served before me.

I am so grateful for the sacrifices these patriots made, and I feel I owe it to all of them to serve in the Army and carry on their legacy. Their service has made it possible for Americans to enjoy the freedoms we hold so dear.

Military service is very important to me, and whether I was selected to the United States Military Academy or not, I would have served. Several of my friends who graduated from Father Ryan are currently at West Point and have had a great influence on me.

The admissions process can seem daunting, especially for students in their sophomore or junior year of high school, but my friends encouraged me throughout the process and helped me put everything in perspective. They have all grown tremendously from their time at the United States Military Academy and are much more evolved than when they first stepped foot on campus for Basic Cadet Training.

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I felt called to military service by my family and friends

I chose West Point not only because of the influence of my friends, but also because it is a leadership forge and will best prepare me for my military service. While the draft and ROTC are also great options, I believe that attending the United States Military Academy will mold me into the best version of myself so that I can give back to my country and its veterans to the best of my ability.

Overall, I felt called to serve in the military because of the influence my family and friends who had served before me had on me. Additionally, I felt a responsibility to express my gratitude for the brave men and women who came before me, and the only way I could do that was to serve in the military myself.

I cannot express my gratitude to all the veterans who have sacrificed so much to protect our great nation.

I thank all who served and hope all our veterans have a memorable Memorial Day weekend.

Henry David Braeuner graduated from Father Ryan High School in May, the 35th.^th Father Ryan is a 2000 graduate of a military academy. At Father Ryan, Henry was a member of the National Honor Society, a school ambassador, and played soccer and rugby. He is a graduate of St. Henry School.

This article originally appeared in the Nashville Tennessean: Memorial Day: Military service brings honor and requires sacrifice