What an extraordinarily resilient spirit Americans have! Being in the military has renewed my faith in the country that I call home and its people. It is unfortunate that the pessimist and the haters of our democracy seem to be the only group that much of our media gives its attention to. If it were up to me every capable American would spend time in the military. In the evening, when I stand at attention during the playing of colors, I think of the many thousands who have, during our history, sacrificed so much for our freedom. General Douglas MacArthur, one of the greatest generals our country ever produced looked out over the student body of West Point on May 12th, 1962. He was in his last years. He had seen a multitude of battlefields where young men lost their lives defending our land against what many thought an unstoppable enemy. He spoke these powerful words which define the character and rugged toughness of our young people who give in to the call of military service:
“From one end of the world to the other, he has drained deep the chalice of courage. As I listened to those songs of the glee club, in memory's eye I could see those staggering columns of the First World War, bending under soggy packs on many a weary march, from dripping dusk to drizzling dawn, slogging ankle deep through mire of shell-pocked roads; to form grimly for the attack, blue-lipped, covered with sludge and mud, chilled by the wind and rain, driving home to their objective, and for many, to the judgment seat of God. I do not know the dignity of their birth, but I do know the glory of their death. They died unquestioning, uncomplaining, with faith in their hearts, and on their lips the hope that we would go on to victory. Always for them: Duty, Honor, Country. Always their blood, and sweat, and tears, as they saw the way and the light.”
Will I have courage in the heat of battle? This is a question every soldier asks themselves. Today a young officer came to me and he said, Chaps, sometimes I wonder if I will be able to lead my men when that day comes. When I am facing the enemy and my men are looking to me for direction to get them through the attack alive. I could only tell him that when that day comes he will know what to do. This young man is already an example to the other officers in our battalion. He is already leading. He is already a man of character and conviction. These traits will be his source of courage when the day comes that he is called upon to take his men into harm’s way.
One day while I was sitting in the Officer’s chow hall which is called the Ward Room, I saw something on t.v. that caught my attention. They were celebrating the anniversary of The Battle of the Bulge. This was not a movie or a scene that was put together for t.v. It was real footage from the front during this historic battle between the American forces and the Germans. Young men by the thousands were running in this open, frozen field. The snow looked like it was ankle deep and they were running at a fast sprint. Bombs were exploding all around them and bullets filled the air like gnats, but on they went, knowing that at any minute they might die. American tanks were pushing forward in the vast field, rolling face to face against the German onslaught. Then I saw a close up of one of the soldier’s faces. His neck was wrapped with a wool scarf. His eyes were black and his lips quivered from the extreme cold. His face was scruffy with a beard and he was dirty, mud splattered all across his uniform. What was even more surprising: he did not look more than 18 years of age.
Why did he fight like so many thousands of others on the battle-fields of World War II? He fought because he loved his country and he believed in what America stood for. He believed in it so much that he was willing to give his life for it. Freedom and Democracy comes at a price.
I want to dedicate this blog to all who serve. I appreciate their sacrifice. There are those who give the ultimate sacrifice and I commend their legacy. I thank them and those who are still serving for my freedom. I thank them for keeping my family safe from tyranny and the slavery my family would face if those in the military did not fight. Today, when you see a soldier or a sailor walking down the street, take the time to thank him or her for their service. They deserve it.