My friend's new tattoo inspired me to write something. She got the words peace and love tattoed on her forearm in hindi. This gal has a loveable spark to her, and is filled to the brim with love and peace at the same time. The last thing she said to me today was Love and Peace. Those final word today helped me solidify the reasoning and sybolism behind the tattoo I have been wanting to get. The double-headed eagle has been used in religion, various empires, and armies. It tends to represent a mastery of two sides or to symbolize a division. An example is the use by the Byzantine Empire, their double-headed eagle represented the authority over spiritual and secular realms. The heads on their eagle stood for Rome (right head) and Constantinople (left head). I have decided my eagle shall stand for my choices in life and the consequences of them. I have enlisted in the Army National Guard. I have also joined ROTC, when I graduate and commission I will transfer to the U.S. Army and be deployed/active. If you know me, then you know I am a fan of diplomacy and understanding. If you know me, you also know I have a bit of a war like chip on my shoulder. This being said as an American soldier I am a harbinger of peace and death. My tattoo will be a reminder that there is a need to love and have peace, and that the war like chracteristics of the human race have a place as well. I hope it will symbolize the need for balance within myself and outside.