When a citizen participates in something that usually means they have some interest in whats going on. They normally are there to learn more, or help out in any way possible. Being part of a political discussion, doesn't matter what the discussion is about, they are most likely there to put their opinion in and try to compromise with the representative or the state.  Trying to bring change or improvement in what they are looking for in their government or in any political situation. 

These are just a small amount of the ways people today and even years before have used their voices to bring change. The people who have come together, who want the same thing, who need the same thing for all, have all come together and used their voices to bring attention to that need. These people that put their voices out their are going to make change, even if its not as impactful that they want it to be, but they are not doing nothing. They are getting out there, marching, boycotting, sitting-in, and all these other things that show their determination for change and the motivation towards the things they believe in. All these forms of protest show the Government that theres something wrong and the people of the United States don't like it. It shows the Government that nobody is going to back down until they see the change. 

"On the battlefield, the Military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind." - Dan Lipinski 
We as a nation are one. We sacrifice all, so that other U.S citizens can be free. Citizens voice their opinion all the time about the way our military is run. The military is a huge part in the Government. The military normally is the defense of the state and its citizens. Therefore, the military protects out citizens. These U.S citizens may not always agree with the tactics that are used, they may not always agree with the force of things. But the citizens of the United States have the right to vote and put their own voice in whatever is happening here in the United States or over seas today.