I heard part of a Memorial Day speech today commemorating our Veterans and the sacrifices they gave in defending this country. Some rest in cemeteries after giving the ultimate sacrifice.
This speaker gave them accolades for fighting for what they believed in – our rights and the rights of others around the world. I didn’t hear anything beyond that. I could not help but think that the speaker had been misinformed. From all I could remember from my lifetime and those before me, our military fought for our freedom. Freedom goes way beyond simple rights.
Without freedom, rights mean nothing, mainly because without freedom there are no rights Freedom, for some people, is a dream. They will never experience opportunities to realize their talents, make a living, or to even see their families.
Our forefathers fought for the liberty to live without tyranny. The Civil War was fought over slavery – to unshackle men, women, and children to take their places in an independent American society. This country has fought numerous other wars – all in the name of freedom.
I also heard of the terrible atrocities that our servicemen endured in the Philippines in WWII. Unspeakable things. They endured for the hope of coming back home to their freedom.
I could not let this mistake go by without some correction. We covet our rights, for sure. But without freedom, we have no rights at all. Let us not belittle the torch America has carried for over two centuries.
Instead, let us honor our Armed Forces and our Fallen Soldiers with true accolades and thanks for the freedom they defend in our place.
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