I'm still a new Sailor; I've been in for just under a year now, only operational for the last 3 weeks. But as a joint-service brat, Army sister, and former military spouse, I think I have a pretty good grasp of what America's Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen would have us do to express our appreciation for their sacrifice.
All I would ask is this: Love your freedom. Embrace it. Don't accept a cheap knock-off of freedom which politicians and legislators would have us blindly accept. Do not accept a freedom which says your property does not belong to you. Do not accept a freedom which says certain speech must be silenced. Do not accept a freedom which says that some members of the human race are less deserving of their God-given rights than others.
We so often talk of freedom as some state of being in which everyone is happy and safe and comfortable. But Samuel Adams seemed to take a very different view; he called America's brand of liberty "the animated contest of freedom;" a continual struggle of ideas and ideologies, of religions and beliefs, of morals and ethics. He saw America as the one beacon on Earth where this contest could take place. Benjamin Franklin echoed this sentiment when he said that those who would sacrifice some liberty for the sake of safety, deserve neither. These were men ready and willing to die to see their ideas of freedom brought to fruition in this nation. These were men who had lived the alternative and would rather have lost their lives than to see our continual struggle for freedom become a mere platitude, a political buzzword, a meaningless echo void of any thought to its consequences or finality.
So don't thank me with a yellow ribbon, a flag bumper sticker, a star; don't salute me or tell me about your trip to the Vietnam memorial. Those things are nice, and they make us feel good and we do appreciate it, but it's not the point of what we do. Thank me with your votes. Thank me by doing your own part to fight for freedom. Thank me by writing to your representatives and keeping them accountable to their promises and the Constitution. Thank me by buying a copy of our founding documents, reading them, and knowing the rights you have because of the US military. We cannot defend rights you do not know you are losing. We may be on the front lines, but it is YOU who are the only ones who can truly keep America free. We follow your lead; you are our bosses.
Love your freedom, in all its terrifying, awesome truth. Remember who and what gave it to you. That's really all I want.
Comments (9)
So "Don't waste what we've fought and died for"
Ohh Which Boat Are You On?
@HungLho - I'm on shore duty at the moment, due to being knocked up. Pregnant ladies don't do well at sea, I'm told...
and realize that freedom and inalienable rights are not granted by our government
Thank you for reminding us to show our thanks in our actions! I watched a clip of the CMA awards.On stage,introducing Trace Adkins was a vet,with bilateral leg amputee. People stood up,standing ovation,clapping for a minute. I know they were showing their apreciation for his sacrifice,but is that all we can do for him? He's living a life different than when he started in the service, for my freedom. Its humbling.
Such wise words. This post is awesome!
Very wise words. I have tried to do so...I hope I don't let you down. Thank you for serving, you picked the "best" branch, . I owe my existence to the navy, lol, so naturally I'm biased.