Why and how are we free? The reason Americans are free is ultimately thanks to the US veterans. They saved the free world from German domination in the First World War. Veterans saved the free world from Japanese and German fascism in the Second World War. They saved the free world from communism in the Cold War.
And the tradition continues now.
Today is a time to remember and say thank you
That is not an exaggeration. It isn’t hyperbole. Veterans have protected us since before there were United States. National security, the protection of citizens from an external foe, is not a given. It’s the product of the hard work of American military men and women. They stood guard 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, every year. Veterans do it for us and for ours. They’ve been doing so for as long as any of us can remember.
The First World War, the Second World War, the Cold War, the Korean War, both Iraq Wars, the Afghan War were all conflicts that the US tried to avoid. But they were wars that the US fought. Veterans sacrificed not only for themselves but for good, decent and free people everywhere.
The reason Iowa soybeans can be shipped from Seattle to Shanghai, the reason coffee can move from Colombia to Cleveland is the sacrifice of the American veteran. Our Navy stands guard over the world’s shipping lanes. Block those lanes and the price of everything skyrockets. International commerce will grind to a halt.
Without our veterans the world would be a very different place
Like it or not, the US veterans have been, and remain global sheriff. They were and remain vigilant, on the beat, keeping the peace. What if China disarmed, or Iran, or North Korea, or Russia? Do you think the world would be a better or worse place?
Now, imagine if America disarmed. Does China stay out of Taiwan or Hong Kong? What happens between Iran and Israel? North Korea and South Korea? Russia and Eastern Europe? Those are just state actors. Islamists would quickly return, bolder and more vicious than ever. New conflicts would spring up and old ones reignite all over the world. Freedom would be in retreat every single day.
That’s the dystopian future of a world without the US and her veterans. That’s because across the globe for the last 100 years and more, the bad guys have been thwarted. The American military force, in every major conflict, has been decisive. That’s why when you meet a veteran, someone who served in the Armed Forces, you should thank them. We have even set aside a special day for it: Veterans Day. Memorial Day is for remembering those who lost their lives fighting for America and for freedom. Veterans Day is for all those who risked their lives so that we could keep ours. Surely, that’s worthy of a thank you.
Conclusion
Here’s hoping you put out a flag, call a veteran, someone who honorably served in the US military. Thank them. Let them know that you know that you are in their debt. We have been in their debt for so long, it’s easy to take what they did, what they risked and what they sacrificed; for granted. We shouldn’t. Each year we celebrate Veterans Day thanking those who served.
