Today in America is Veteran Days. Having been born and raised in America, my point of reference is limited to what I know, what I see on television and stories from those who have traveled the world in both good times and bad. I am sure other countries are just as amazing, but to me there is no better place to call home than the USA.
Though other countries are richer in history than ours, America still shines brightly in her infancy. She has grown, and her love of freedom has been honed on the backs of many who've willingly laid their lives on the line so that others can live free. Those special few are willing to stand up and fight, when others retreat in fear, so that their love of country is upheld. They fight not for our government, but instead for their family; your family; my family....so that our way of life can be maintained. These brave men and women lay their lives on the line not just for our freedom, but for the ideal of personal freedom throughout the world.
The brave men and women of the American Military serve in lands far away, not because they want to fight (believe me, they don't), but because they hold the sense of honor and duty above all else. They serve at our Government's direction, not because they are interested in the oil, the power or the control that can be won, but because they truly believe in the right of all to embrace the freedoms that we here in America hold dear. They believe in the rights of men, women and children around the world to live in a democratic society, with the right to speak their views, to educate themselves and to live without fear of repression or retaliation for doing so. These brave men and women fight not to force our way of life on others, but to ensure that others have a fair chance to choose their own way of life, democratic or not, free of tyranny and oppression.
Every year on this date, November 11th, we Americans take a holiday to celebrate those who have served throughout the years, whether willingly or through the draft. No matter how it came about, the sacrifice is the same...one that deserves our gratitude and grace. I am embarrassed to say that sometimes people are thankful for the day off, but forget to be grateful to those it recognizes. Sometimes we are so caught up in our own dreams and desires, we forget that the right to chase that dream was earned through the sacrifices of others. Without the choice of millions of Americans that came before us (and those who walk amongst us still) to serve, to protect and defend, we may not have the opportunity to live the "American Dream". Without their strength, determination and sacrifice, we may not be "the land of the Free and the home of the Brave" that we all take for granted. Without them, and all they continue to do, our way of life would not be...
Thankfully, these brave souls have continued to preserver despite the growing threats against us. They bravely go where others fear, simply because they choose to uphold what is right, and defend what is dear. Their reverence for our ideals and the rights of others drives them forward. The faces and love for their family and friends gives them the strength to carry on so that, one day soon, they can come home once again to live their own American dream, free of tyranny and oppression. May God Bless them for it and may their fellow Americans honor them and be grateful for their service.
It is with that thought I want to say I am grateful for all you do. Your sacrifices and those of your families, have not gone unnoticed. Your voices are heard in their silent service and because of each and every one of you...FREEDOM RINGS!
