Our veterans’ organizations have not forgotten the lessons of history. They’re on the front lines of policy debate. Our organizations know too well the high cost our veterans have paid and the price our bravest are paying, and will pay, to maintain our liberty.
On this Veterans Day, we rightly remember our past and most recent fallen — men and women whose names have been added to the great honor roll, and taken their place in a lineage that has never faulted, wavered or broken.
Their sacrifice calls attention to our historical commitment that the strong must defend the weak without fear or hesitation. As in any struggle where good opposes evil in armed conflict, it will always be our youngest and bravest who step forward to defend liberty and innocence.
Should any be called to lay down that final measure of devotion, let this be known: We rightly grieve their passing but find some measure of rest in the truth that blood shed in defense of liberty or innocence is never in vain, lest we consider freedom or innocence a curse.
Let those names be honored more than others and their sacrifice be regarded more than those of others, for it is written, “... no man has a greater love than he who lays down his life for his friend.”
The sacrifice in blood and limb is not lost on the members of our veterans’ organizations. A great number of our veterans are combat veterans, and they know well the price of war and what is at stake.
Our veterans understand that the deed is more valued than good intentions. It takes action to preserve our freedom. The issues are not easy and the path is not always clear, but it is the effort of good and honorable men and women working and sacrificing today that will determine our future.
We may disagree on fact and policy, but let us unite in the purity of effort in which our service members engage. If we can agree upon this one point, then I encourage you to support and honor our veterans and the men and women now serving in our armed forces.
I hope that, on Veterans Day, we remember to give an extra salute to those brave soldiers who have fallen and to those old soldiers who continue to serve.
I also hope that, until that final day comes at the end of ages, courage will prevail and citizens will continue to unite in an undivided allegiance in America first, and liberty for all.
God Bless America and God bless her veterans. Semper fidelis.
This is the second of two articles by Joe Vickery, who is chaplain of the Marine Corps League and lives in Texas City. The first article was published Nov. 4.
