Thank our heroes
Battles inevitably end. Threats never do.
That distinction is worth remembering as these United States approach another Veterans Day. Among other things, it provides a useful framework through which to view the veterans of military service who live and work among us.
Their ranks stretch back across the centuries to this nation’s founding. The citizens who first answered the call of the Continental Army in the 18th century were responding to a grave threat of that day.
Many battles have been fought since then against many enemies. Always, the nation’s soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen have answered their country’s call — no matter how difficult, bloody or miserable the tasks required to fulfill their mission. Their fidelity to duty and their honor deserves our thanks on Veterans Day, and all other days.
The arduous work required of soldiers continues today because that old constant — threats — yet hangs over this country.
The unceasing sacrifice inherent in protecting this nation is worthy of our praise and honor.
Times of war understandably spring easiest to mind. Yet, it is to the good that America’s wars and skirmishes have been punctuated by eras of peace. These periods of grace and quiet are perhaps most appreciated by those who’ve worn U.S. uniforms, either in peacetime or days of war.
Our soldiers who’ve stood sentry in a thousand ways in a thousand places — wary eyes scanning a horizon for signs of trouble — have helped keep this nation secure. History has proven the ongoing truth of the 18th century observation by Irish orator and politician John Philpot Curran that, “The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance.”
The nation’s veterans, living and dead, likely understand that better than anyone else. The continuing threats against the free world and the never-ending, dangerous service required to deal squarely with them bears witness to the high price of freedom.
Thus, a grateful nation should continually make clear its thanks and support for those who’ve served. We should all do that in some way on Veterans Day and on all other days when an opportunity arises.
About the Author
Andre Jackson is editorial editor of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in April 2009. He oversees the newspaper’s thought leadership expressed via its opinion pages.
