This weekend we honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that our God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are protected for another generation. In his inaugural address as Governor in 1967, Ronald Reagan reminded us all that “Freedom is a fragile thing and it’s never more than one generation away from extinction.”
As an avid reader of history including the American Revolutionary and Civil Wars and a student of philosophy, I have been fascinated by the American experience and how this Great experiment is truly unique in world history. We recognize that freedom is our right because we are born as children of God, not because any government grants it to us, and that our heroes in service are the protectors of our natural right.
During Iraqi Freedom under George W Bush, I met with a friend of mine after he returned from deployment. I was just out of college and starting to build a career and I remember feeling that he had given so much of himself to our country and I felt in debt to him. I wanted to show him my appreciation and felt the normal “Thank you for your service,” was not quite adequate enough.
Floundering and not knowing what to say, I stated to him that I felt a bit guilty that I was not serving in such a great capacity like he was. He could see what I was getting at and being more accustomed to my awkwardness than I was, he said back to me that everyone has a purpose to fulfill. Some people know it is their purpose to serve in the armed forces and he does so so that others back home can fulfill their purpose freely, whatever that may be.
I should also mention that in addition to serving in the military, this soldier is also a student of philosophy and has his doctorate now in the field of study.
The sacrifices that our heroes have made to protect our unalienable rights should be honored not just on one day, but every day. We should celebrate and honor them by building strong communities and families here at home.
We all have been given a path and a gift from the Almighty and pursuing them honors the legacy of our fallen soldiers.
That was the larger picture my friend wanted me to understand. That his sacrifices, and the sacrifices of the many that did not return home, were in the name of freedom, but not in the name alone. It was so that we at home could pursue our destiny and live lives that would honor the sacrifices that were made.
So this weekend, we should take the time to think, really think. Are we living a life that gives honor to the sacrifices our heroes made?
How do we even begin to answer such a question? As I wrestled with this question, I took my cues from those that made the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedoms. I asked myself, Am I living through selflessness, with courage, and working for a higher purpose.
Selflessness – There is no more a perfect form of selflessness than sacrificing one’s life for your fellow brother, country, or ideas. Through this example, we can ask ourselves, are we giving our time, resources, and commitment to serve others. Are we reaching a hand out to those in need and showing them the gifts of freedom that are at their fingertips? Are we encouraging and helping them to use those gifts to bring themselves freedom from dependency, poverty, and ignorance?
Courage – Protecting others, rescuing the innocent, and caring for the wounded are the images we think of when we discuss the courage of our heroes overseas and at home. We can honor these courageous acts by standing up for our community, neighbors, and even strangers when they have been wronged or forgotten. We can stand up when someone’s right to speak up, their right to practice their religion, and their right to a fair discussion have been threatened. Honoring this courage can be as simple as standing up for your values and ideas when current culture and popular media run counter to your beliefs daily. Do not be afraid to be the only one standing, it is always the right time to do the right thing.
Higher Purpose – The American soldier lives through a higher purpose. Each is unique and for my friend, it was protecting the freedom that God granted all of us as our birthright. We can honor these sacrifices by living a higher purpose too. Once we begin to see something bigger than ourselves, a common thread with others, we can live in such a greater capacity. We can achieve enormous accomplishments living in this way. The freedom of this type of life is immeasurable and has been bought for all of us through The Sacrifice, and is now protected by the heroes we honor today.
Our heroes have shown great discipline in selflessness, courage, and living through a higher purpose. Each of us can think of a loved one whose service speaks life to these words. This weekend, let ask ourselves how we can do the same in our daily lives to honor their sacrifices.