Vets for Freedom: Honoring our Veterans

Dear Vets for Freedom Member:

Today, Americans across this great country join together to honor our military veterans. At town-squares, solemn ceremonies, and school assemblies across this county, we remember the beaches of Normandy, the jungles of Vietnam, the sands of Iraq, and everything before, after, and in between.

We remember that every liberty we enjoy--those we usually take for granted--was purchased and defended by warriors; those willing to stand their post, take the hill, or kick down doors in dangerous places so we can enjoy the American way of life.

Veterans Day is about one thing: honoring the service and sacrifice of America's veterans, and passing their collective story to the next generation. These stories, and the men and women who bear them, are the backbone of this American experiment and must never be forgotten.

As John Stuart Mill once said, "War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks nothing worth a war, is worse." The moment we believe our freedoms inevitable, we cease to live in history and sour the soldier's sacrifice. Our freedoms--purchased on the battlefield--are indeed "worthy of war."

And today, with America still at war, it is fitting that we remember the troops currently serving in harms way. Because, as any veteran can attest, just one moment, one explosion, or one bullet separates Memorial Day from Veterans Day. Soldiers currently in Iraq and Afghanistan are fighting for our freedoms today, knowing it's possible they may never see tomorrow.

Vets for Freedom compels our membership to honor America's veterans this week. Whether at a ceremony, in a letter to the editor, or with a simple "thank you," find a way to ensure that every veteran -- young and old -- feels appreciated.

God bless America and her veterans.

Vets for Freedom