For over 200 years men and women have taken up arms to protect us, to liberate us, to reunite us. Many, along the way, through the myriad of battles waged across the globe and here at home, have lost their lives in the ultimate sacrifice for you and me, and all of us, to remain free.
Let us not forget those who laid their lives on the battlefields across our country, fighting against a tyrant king, who wanted nothing more than their freedom. They are the ones who founded us - forged us in blood and sacrifice. They were commoners - everyday citizens - who formed an unbeatable militia army of men, women, even children, armed with the assault weapons of their time. They fought with a fierce passion that laid the foundation of this country:
Free to believe;
Free to prosper;
Free to speak;
Free to aspire to the greatest of potentials - as long as you work for it.
Since the founding, our soldiers have continued to inspire us; continued to teach us the lessons of their sacrifice. They have shown us the power of conviction; the strength of perseverance; the undeniable courage we can all have in the face of insurmountable odds. They have taught us, and still teach us daily, that heroes really do exist.
From the walls of the Alamo to the beaches of France and all throughout Europe and Africa, the Pacific to Korea, Viet Nam to a brutal Cold War, Iraq, Panama, Afghanistan … Soldiers have lost their lives - lost them for us; lost them to protect their fellow soldiers, their families, their country – this country – the United States of America … “and to the Republic for which it stands. One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
If only it were still true.
I wonder what the 1 million fallen soldiers since 1776 (estimated) would say about our country today and about the direction it is taking? Would the commoners see the similarities in our modern governmental system to that which they fought against? Would they be glad of our direction, or just plain sad? Would those who stormed the beaches see a country of resolve, or one of splintered integrity?
I wish, more than anything, that we truly honored the soldier - that the lesson of their sacrifice would never disappear.
I, for one, will never forget.
From the bottom of my heart, to all of you who serve, have served … Thank you.
Editor's Note: What do you think? Are we honoring our soldiers by allowing our country to follow its current direction? Write us - editor@usobserver.com.
Ron Lee (Verbal Assassin)looks to be a cross between a biker and a new-age long-hair hippie, but fasion is not his forte. His passion is writing and he has been a freelance and published writer since 1985.
He devoutly follows the Constitution and is an impassioned spokesperson for the use of logic in all political decisions - something he believes is sorely lacking, especially in Washington D. C.
Ron attended Richmond University in London where he focused on theatre arts, and the University of Nevada Reno where he dual majored in criminal justice and psychology.
For the last 6 years Ron has spent his time helping US~Observer clients with his no-nonsense investigative reporting style. He designed the look and feel of the US~Observer web site and newspaper, and is responsible for the layout of each new edition.
His favorite quote, “The truth shall make you free.” – John VIII. 32
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