Veterans’ Day and America’s Debt to Those Who Served

Today is Veterans Day, a day to remember that every American—and many millions from other countries around the world—owe a great debt to the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. military, past and present.

From the Revolution up through modern times, millions of Americans have risked everything to ensure we could be free.  It has been said so many times it has become a platitude, but it’s a truth we should all remember: freedom isn’t free. It is purchased by the blood and sweat of our military.

“Wherever the standard of freedom and independence has been or shall be unfurled, there will be [America’s] heart, her benedictions and her prayers be,” saidJohn Quincy Adams. America doesn’t go seeking war, he explained. While the American government has in fact become more foolish in seeking wars since, despite the idiocy of many politicians and military top brass over the years, America’s military members were overwhelmingly brave and honorable. I have many family members who served.

If you are a veteran, thank you. You represent the best and bravest of America, the heroism that bought and maintained freedom for millions. As the great Gen. George Patton once said, “America without her soldiers would be like God without his angels.”