The true hope of America has always been in its people and their adherence to the Judeo-Christian foundations of the nation. Every year we celebrate the day that Congress set aside to remember the brave sacrifices of America’s fighting men and women. This day is a day to appreciate those who have been willing to sacrifice their lives and limbs so that we can live free. Many have died and many more wounded for life from their injuries and the emotional torments of war.
We do a poor job of teaching our children what that really means. After WWII a majority of the men returning from Asia and Europe did not talk about their experiences to their families. I know that was my experience with my father. I do not even remember going to any memorial services honoring our service members growing up. Come to find out my quiet, unassuming father was the pilot of the B17 that led the Allied invasion on D-Day. He and his crew flew 33 missions over Europe and not one was lost. They credit their captain, my father, for keeping them alive. Yet, my dad rarely spoke of his experiences.
In his eyes he was merely doing his duty in serving his country during wartime. He raised me and my brother to take responsibility for doing our duty whatever it may be. However, since that time the concept of duty and honor have been relegated to history and is not something that we, in modern America, embrace as a life value. Instead most decisions these days are made out of convenience. As this has vanished from our culture so has true patriotism and love of country. The generations since the greatest generation have been spoiled by not having the same hardships that earlier generations had. Therefore, we take for granted the freedom and opportunity purchased for us by previous sacrificial generations. Most of us are not even willing to make the sacrifice to go vote much less study the candidates closely!
Today we have a small percentage of brave men and women who serve us in the military willing to put their lives on the line daily to defend and serve. And yet, when they are wounded most are treated poorly and not given the respect they deserve. Due to modern medicine and improved armor technology more warriors survive their injuries than die compared to twenty years ago. Yet we, as a society, have not risen up as we should have to embrace them and aid them in starting their lives over within their limitations. Modern technology has made it possible for them to live successful lives in most cases doing what they love. But they need our help and support to get there.
These are the heroes among us, they are fighters who never give up and will take a bullet for their fellow fighters. This Memorial Day weekend keep these precious heroes at the forefront of all you do and be sure to attend a Memorial Day Service in your community. Take your children and grandchildren so they can learn to appreciate that freedom is not free – it always involves sacrifice.
Next Week: How the Courts Have Allowed the Unconstitutional Growth of Government
Dinner Table Discussion Questions: Talk about those you know, family or friends, who have served in the military and what kind of sacrifices they made. Discuss why it is important to love our country and want to preserve the freedoms we have for the next generation.