I have begun to liken this COVID-19 pandemic to an alien invasion. The spaceship landed, and little green Martians have taken over.

Thousands have died during this assault. Even more have been sickened.

Additionally, the invaders have rained financial havoc as people have lost their jobs and businesses have had to close.

Our children have also been affected. Schools shut down, impacting their education, and as of today a re-opening doesn’t look like business as usual.

The weapons in our arsenal to fight this enemy are archaic. There are those giving it their best effort to devise new methods of defense, but while waiting for these promised armaments, defending ourselves seems hopeless.

Or is it?

This foreign source, while we are yet to eradicate it from our planet, is weakened by human choice. That choice is whether or not to wear a mask and social distance from one another.

Unfortunately, there are many who either don’t believe the invasion is real, or are not willing to aid in the fight.

This could be due in part to the fact that the enemy is selective in who it chooses to attack. For the most part, it goes after those most vulnerable in our society while leaving the young and healthy unharmed.

Because of this, many have taken a blasé attitude or, should I say, a selfish attitude. They are not worried about their health, they have decided not to worry about the rest of humanity.

In these unprecedented times, my passion to protect my family has been heightened. And I would never want blood on my hands for physically harming someone. So, in this battle, I have become a loud, maybe obnoxious, stickler, drill sergeant and advocate in wearing a mask and social distancing.

Experts in the field of fighting the foreign invader have made it clear that these measures slow down the destruction. And while this is an inconvenience and considered by some a forfeiture of our freedoms, what is being asked is in no comparison to sacrifices made by those in the past.

Americans worked in factories and experienced sacrifices in the form of rations during World War II. Many have given their lives for the greater good of the country as soldiers in combat.

On Saturday we will commemorate our country’s independence and, for some, this year’s celebration will look different.

My family, for one, has decided to forego a large gathering. The stakes are too high, and it’s just not worth the risk.

I personally know one family that has been attacked, and four of their members are suffering. One of them is in the ICU at this time.

Until we have the arms to combat this “takeover,” our only defense is to wear a mask and social distance.

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, let us remember all those who have paid the ultimate price for others and use our freedoms to honor their sacrifices.

By following their example, we too can protect our fellow brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers and children.

 

Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer for The Vicksburg Post. She can be reached at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.