By Sen. Warren Petersen |
America is a country founded on the principle that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. For almost 250 years, these rights, freedoms, and values have shaped our nation into the world’s foremost superpower, a beacon of light and liberty to millions of onlookers, and extremely prosperous and generous.
None of these rights could have been sustained, passed down, or protected without the men and women who have served in the branches of our military for more than two centuries.
This week, we again honor the service and sacrifice of all those who have answered the call of duty to defend and preserve the United States of America for future generations. Since 1775, when the Continental Army was formed in our nation’s war for independence against England, over 40 million individuals are believed to have served in our military. Currently, there are more than two million men and women who serve either on active duty or in the reserve components. Each one of these people understood the gravity of their decision, and many have—and continue to say—they would serve again if given the opportunity.
While the vast majority of jobs in this country require a ‘clock in and clock out’ mindset, service to America in uniform requires an incredible degree of love, devotion, and a recognition of sacrifice. People serving in the military love this country and her citizens, and they will do anything to defend the Constitution and ideals that have made her the greatest in world history. They are devoted to country above self, understanding they are engaged in a higher purpose they may not comprehend in this life. And they recognize they will be called to sacrifice for the good of the nation. This sacrifice is observed in several ways, including lengthy deployments, injuries and psychological issues, and even death. When a man or woman volunteers for service to the United States military, they do so knowing they may be called upon to give their lives for the cause of freedom.
The level of love, devotion, and willingness to sacrifice from members of the military is very unique to the United States. Many countries around the world coerce individuals to serve and die in war. Other nations do not have the luxury of established militaries, inviting unrest within their borders. However, the American military is the most powerful in the world, keeping countless threats at bay, and comprised of individuals who voluntarily choose to serve in the defense of their country. Even during periods of our nation’s history when there was a military draft, those who stepped forward had a superior understanding of the nature of the dangers facing the world and the United States and were willing to do whatever it took to eradicate the evils around them. This is why the history books call those who fought in World War Two, “The Greatest Generation.” Perhaps Claudia Pemberton, an author and member of the Military Writers Society of America, put it best, when she said, “America without her soldiers would be like God without his angels.”
It’s easy to live in a country such as ours and take what we have for granted because we enjoy so much around us. But these freedoms and values did not simply appear, and they are not guaranteed to last. There is definitely a complacency that has crept in our communities and exponentially grown throughout the years and generations. Our children are not being raised in a country that appreciates or values our veterans and their service as it once has or ought.
We must, however, recognize that these liberties and our way of life did not appear out of nowhere, and that it has not been easy to retain our freedoms. Millions have fought and served under our flag to ensure that American liberty is passed from generation to generation. They do so without expectation of thanks or praise, but these reactions to their service cannot become secondhand or muted. On the contrary, we should redouble our efforts to honor and celebrate our veterans and what they have done to defend our great nation.
Thus, the importance of Veterans Day cannot be overstated. It is not just another special date on the calendar we can take for granted. It is a day when our nation must rally together in unity to help kindle appreciation for our military veterans in the next generation. President Abraham Lincoln correctly noted, “Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.” If we are to keep the flame of the United States of America burning for another 250 years, Veterans Day must be cherished by all Americans. Thank you to all the men and women who have served in the United States military. Your service and heroism is greatly appreciated.
Warren Petersen is the President of the Arizona State Senate and represents Legislative District 14.
