It started out "Independence Day," then became "July Fourth" and now it's just called "The 4th". It's not a wonder that many have lost touch with what the day really stands for.

But did we ever? Do any of us really understand the value of something, until we pay the price? Not one of us climbed onto small wooden ships to escape the tyranny of a king, nor cried out, "No king, but King Jesus" as we left England to birth 'The Land of the Free.'

Our forefather's spirit of freedom created and sustained the most powerful and desirable government in the world, which was based on biblical principles, united by a constitution and protected by the sacrificing of their very lives.

The real soul of an American is that we've never been satisfied with just enjoying the benefits of freedom for ourselves. We have sent our valiant soldiers out into the world to fight for the freedom of the oppressed in other countries, as well. There truly has been a "love thy neighbor" mentality.

However, the closest most of us have come to the terror of war is when we're wakened by a sound, in the middle of the night, and wonder if someone has broken into our home.

Even then, we have the option of calling 911 to have someone else come to our rescue.

I wanted to understand the men and women who keep watch, while I sleep peacefully at night.

I talked with David Zurfluh, who volunteers as the president of the Northwest Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America. David, himself, is a quadriplegic from serving in the Air Force at Desert Storm.

I asked him when the reality of war becomes real to these young soldiers and David said, "When you get that call that you're going over."

That's after a drill instructor "tests their metal" and they all sign a declaration, which says that they agree to die for their country.

Most are just kids, when they deploy, and I wondered how they're able to deal with being dropped off in a foreign land, knowing that they're going to have to fight for their lives and someone else's - every day.

David explained, "You have a role, a job to do - no matter what. War is not fun, but necessary. We went for God and country. If America didn't have the military, other countries would overrun us. There are bad people out there and we constantly have to protect our interests, here and abroad."

I asked him what the hardest part was. He said, "Being away from family. You have military support, but in reality, you're by yourself."

A Marine, who fought in Vietnam, talked about becoming closer than a brother to the buddies in his unit. "You think you're invincible, when you're young, but then you watch your buddies get blown to pieces and have to come home - all alone. It changes you, forever."

I can't even imagine what they've gone through, but what I did come to understand is that war isn't something that soldiers engage in and then just forget. Many carry the physical and emotional wounds the rest of their lives.

Some soldiers can't even enjoy Independence Day. The fireworks sound too much like the real thing. You see, "the rockets red glare" and "the bombs bursting in air" were the real thing, for them -- not just entertainment.

The next time you see a soldier, whether he's currently in the military or whether he served 70 years ago - you might want to thank him for his sacrifice and honor him for his courage.

However, sometimes we just don't know what to say, when we see someone in a wheelchair or obviously dealing with an injury.

David said this, "Children are so pure and honest, they'll ask, 'How did you get hurt?' A person could just say, 'How are you coping?' These things mean a lot to an injured vet."

You can also show them that you care by calling David to volunteer at 206-241-1843. The PVA has a pizza party the 3rd Wednesday of every month at Seattle Veteran's Hospital.

Perhaps the next time you stand before an American flag, you'll realize that the price of freedom has cost more than enough American red blood to dye every American flag that has ever flown or been held in a child's hand.

In my mind, I think that our soldier's votes should be counted twice - once just because they're an American and once again, because they paid for it.

I have to say that I will never again celebrate Independence Day without remembering the cost of our independence. Thank you and blessings to our soldiers and their families.

Des Moines resident Lee Ryan is an actor, creative writer and voice talent. She can be reached in care of hteditor@robinsonnews.com.