Memorial Day is a day when we honor our fallen heroes; men and women, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, family and friends, who have risked their lives to preserve our republic, and paid the ultimate price. I am forever humbled and grateful for their sacrifice.
I am grateful for everyone who has willingly taken up the call to defend our liberty, whether currently on active duty, or veterans. Liberty is not free. It is a never-ending struggle. The red stripes on our flag symbolizes the blood shed to defend our nation and its ideals.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;
The first two statements, taken from the Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution of the United States, would soon be relegated to the dustbin of history, if it wasn’t for the third, the oath taken by everyone on entering the military. The oath is unconditional. It is made with the knowledge that the price may be one’s life. It is an act of service that guarantees the life and liberty of those that didn’t serve.
I will spend some time this weekend, contemplating the men and women I served with in the military, and the many veterans I have met. A few died while on duty, many more lived a full life after they were discharged, and have entered into their final reward. Then I will enjoy my weekend to honor their sacrifice, knowing the price that was paid so I could.
Greater love has no one than to give his life for his friend.
Thank You, my friends,
Happy Memorial Day
Pat