Honoring Our Veterans

As we commemorate Veterans Day, I am always humbled by the selfless and heroic efforts made by those brave men and women, the sons and daughters of America who preserved liberty at the highest cost, no short cuts, but the ultimate price. I think of that fantastic generation of World War II and those that followed in Korea, Vietnam and, now, the Middle East. They sacrificed their lives for something they believed was bigger than them. They knew the value of family; the power of God; and that what was good about life and liberty was foundational to being an American, and it was worth fighting for. They were defined by their courage and character, their dedication to what was right and good.

Veterans Day this day is a solemn day in our household. Growing up, the price of liberty was always close to home and family as many in our community stood when called and said “Here am I.” We in America are crying out for common sense, a sign that we can find unity, and peace. We have been at war with Islam for 15 years. It is too long. Our veterans pay the price of death, mental health, loss of limbs, and loss of family. There is absolutely no resolve on the part of politicians to do the right thing–fight this war with a decisive and victorious end, and get it done. But considering the response by the Administration and the weak-kneed politicians of both parties, there is little hope of resolution outside of God’s hand of mercy.

Warren McCarthy and Gene Flynn, served on D-Day, surviving the beaches of Normandy. They were decorated war heroes. Not much of what they did was ever discussed. But you somehow knew that they were special. My dad, who was a farmer during WWII, was best friends with these men. He knew what went on, but would never say. They were among the finest men I knew growing up. My uncle Bob Harris served in the Philippines. There were times when he had flashbacks. My dad would get a call from my aunt and he would find Uncle Bob, talk him down and hold him until the terror passed. He, too, was a decorated hero. All these men knew the price of freedom and they understood their civic duty to their families, their God and their country.

Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton all openly paid respect to America’s servicemen and women on Veteran Days. Former President George W. Bush honored and respected our servicemen every day of his two terms. For example, he gave up the game of golf early in his presidency out of respect for the families of those who gave their lives for our nation. The current “president,” however, shows no such respect. He has golfed 248 times during his presidency, and has played golf on every Memorial Day weekend since taking office. Think about the optics and how this Administration has treated veterans. Jesus said in Matthew 7:20, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Enough said.