Today We Remember the Men and Women Who Have Stood Diligently to Protect Our Freedoms
Written By: MATT NOLES / RACERSGUIDE.COM
Photos By: UNITED STATES VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA- November 11, 2016- The past year has been a trying time for many of us that call this great country home. This past week has been even more so.
Though the aforementioned facts are undoubtedly true, I couldn’t help but walk out of my front door this past Wednesday and stare at the beautiful sight that adorns the front of my house day in and day out regardless of who our leaders may be; that damn flag is a thing of beauty.
Divisiveness seems to be the word that most aptly describes this country at this time; for reasons that I cannot fathom. However, there is one group of people whom we should hold forever in the highest regards. Their selflessness and call to duty are something that many of us will never understand; but we will always respect.
Our veterans know nothing about divisiveness. They came from all walks of life and from all regions of this vast land to serve our country with distinction and, in some cases, to die for those of us here at home so that we may continue to live a way of life that many people in the world wish to possess, but cannot call their own.
Our veterans know nothing of selfishness; they know only of selflessness. The example they have set makes them the most esteemed group of people by far; a group that deserves to be recognized not only on the 11th of November, but every day of the year. For them who gave so much, we owe our all.
If you walked into a voting booth this past Tuesday to place your vote for which candidate you thought best represented you, thank a veteran. If you have ever openly criticized your government and your leaders without fear of repercussion, thank a veteran. If you have ever enjoyed any of the freedoms that we so often take for granted throughout our daily existence, thank a veteran.
It is only fitting to remind ourselves today that the struggle to secure our freedom will never truly come to a close. For as long as there is democracy, as long as there is a freedom of choice, it will always be threatened by those who wish to do us harm. Alas, there will be new veterans joining the ranks from now until the end of time. That is the cost of our way of life and that is the price which must be paid.
To all those who have served and to all those who gave their life; the last full measure of devotion, thank you and God bless.
Happy Veterans Day.
“It is rather for us, the living, we here be dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that, from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here, gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve these dead shall not have died in vain; that the nation, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
-Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, November 19th, 1863
