Celebrating July 4th

On most every patriotic holiday, and this one is no exception, there are calls to “thank a soldier”.   This, of course, leaves out our other fighting forces – the marines, navy, coast guard and air force.  It also does not give the average citizen enough credit.

We in the USA are very fortunate in many ways, and one of  the greatest is that the military, for the most part,  has stayed out of politics and governing.  Our armed forces are second to none.  Can the people of Iran, China, Burma thank a soldier for their freedom?  Is that what the lone man standing in front of a column of tanks in Tienanmen Square was doing?  Thanking a soldier?

Our soldiers, airmen, sailors, marines and guardsmen are the product of a great nation built on a whole new concept of citizenship over the past 233 years.  Our military is composed of people, most of whom have been taught from birth to call down wrongdoing and see it made right.Our military is composed of people, most of which for 233 years have been taught from birth to call down wrongdoing and see it made right.

Our freedoms are assured by continued teaching of the value of rights and respect for those rights.  Our freedoms are assured by those willing to stand up on street corners and in court rooms to defend liberty.  Our freedoms are assured by every person who says – “Hey, wait a minute.  That isn’t right” – whether they are right or wrong.

In what other countries can you tell the police they simply cannot enter your house without permission – be it yours or a court’s?  In what other countries can an individual own enough small arms to outfit a platoon of soldiers?  In what other countries could you or I get on the internet and say exactly what we feel about our government, using the most vulgar and coarsest  language imaginable (on which I will pass, thank you), and only face the verdict of the marketplace of ideas?

We have our freedoms because we cherish them and we use them.  We know when we use them and we fight desperately, even in the streets, to keep them.  From this citizenry, we get our military.  When you begin with such a foundation, you can’t help but build the best army, navy, marine corps, air force and coast guard in the world.

Enjoy your liberties?  Thank yourself and give yourself a pat on the back.  However, remember, always remember, those rights did not come cheap.  Men and women, boys and girls, in and out of uniform, have died to maintain those rights.  Someday, it may be your turn to put your career or your future or your life on the line.   Pray you are up to it (or don’t pray; it’s another right we have).

Have a happy and safe Independence Day holiday.