my brother is a cadet in the u.s. air force. once he graduates, he will be an enlisted officer. my grandfather was an ensign in the navy during wwII and my other grandfather was a marine and stormed the beaches of normandy.each of these men have been more than willing to fight for a higher cause. they don't/didn't do it for the glory...because, let's be honest, our government is getting less supportive of the troops each day. the don't/didn't do it for the money...there is so little money in it. but they did/do it.
to me, there is nothing more honorable than fighting for your freedoms and more importantly, the freedoms of others. it was seen in american history, french history, (well, pretty much every country's history) the book of mormon, everywhere.
and to be completely honest, when i see those men and women in uniform, i feel the burning desire to suit up with them and fight along side them.
i feel so indebted to those men and women who gave their lives for me, for you, for each american, yes even the undeserving.
call me emotional, call me foolish, call me young and naive, but something strikes a chord within me when i see a man or woman in uniform. whether it's carrying the flag, getting on a plane, or picking up their children from school.
i know that by wearing that uniform, they have dedicated their lives to this country.
they have given up birthday parties, high school football games and every precious family moment.
their uniform says to me in plain words, 'i don't want to, but if it's asked of me, i will die for you.'
they represent the good in this country. the people. they don't represent the politics, but the passion for liberty.
they represent an idea. an idea of freedom that was ignited in our founding father's hearts.
they represent a union that almost crumbled but came out even stronger.
they represent a brighter future for every child.
they represent faith in divine guidance.
they represent each of us. now it is our turn, this fourth of july and everyday to give back to them. support, prayers, kind words, even just remembrance...the little things make the difference.
if there happens to be a member of the armed forces on his flight, my dad anonymously gives up his first class seat to him/her.
thank you big brother and all your fellow cadets. thanks to all the armed forces. your sacrifice makes it possible for me to sleep in peace tonight. i am proud of you and proud to be an american.
when all is said and done this quote sums it up:
"it is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
it is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
it is the soldier, not the organizer, who gave us the right to demonstrate.
it is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose
coffin in draped with the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag."
-Father O'Brien, US Marine Corps
toby keith was right...american soldiers are exactly this:
today i read the declaration of independence again. hopefully you have read it at least once in your life, if not, GET ON IT. this sacred an inspired document is a symbol of faith in an unseen god and devotion to a worthy cause. it is a turning point in our nation's great history and a foundation of our freedom. it is because of this document and the men who signed their names on it we can call our selves americans.
it serves as a reminder that our rights our 'endowed by...[our]...creator' (declaration of independence, line 7) and the security of these rights are maintained by governments instituted by the people. this declaration specifically states that governmental powers are derived from the 'consent of the governed' (declaration of independence, line 10).
let us not forget the power each of us has in establishing governments. and it is our right and privilege to keep the government within their bounds. remembering, 'that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends,
it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to
institute new government' (declaration of independence, line 10, italics added).
what courage it must of taken to stand up to the bigger dog. what faith they had in divine providence. what passion they had for protecting their individual rights and the rights of their neighbors, family friends and strangers. the last few lines read, 'and for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the
protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.'
they were ready and willing to give everything. are we willing to do the same?
now that i've given my little speech, i will say one last thing. that i am so grateful for each man who signed their name on that daring document. without it, i would not have my freedom of speech to write this blog or, more importantly, freedom of religion. i would be lost indeed. how grateful i am for God's grace and divine guidance.
in 1779, john newton penned the words to amazing grace. it might be my all time favorite song.
