Brushfire of Freedom
Ram Rants
Simply put, today is about “Thanks”.
Thanks to all the men and women who served with me, and who serve today, to defend this nation from enemies foreign and domestic. Your ongoing sacrifice so that others may live free is often forgotten buy those who enjoy the fruits of your labor. They do not see the long hours, the hard conditions, the extensive training, and the strain on your families that are the ongoing cost of freedom in America. They may be aware, but they do not understand. So, thanks for your efforts, thanks for your sacrifice, thanks for your service.
Thanks to those who gave their lives in service of this nation. Not just decades of a career, but truly give their lives so that others may live free. It is the truest measure of love when one sheds his or her blood for others. You’ve never met most of us, meaning you’ve given your life for millions that you do not know, and who’ve never met you. You do it because of love of country, love of liberty, and an understanding that freedom has never been free, and its price must be paid continuously. Ever vigilant, always willing to serve. That is the character that defines those in our military. So, thanks for all you have given, all you have done, and all that you are.
Thanks to those who lead our nation’s fighting forces, the generals, admirals, sergeants, and chiefs who define the mission, strengthen the resolve of our forces, and shape the strategy that keeps us safe. You have not only our freedom, but the lives of many in your hands. You carry a heavy burden, you bear the stress of leadership, and you often do what is right, rather than what is easy. Your tireless efforts have kept us safe for over two centuries, so thanks for your leadership, your insight, and your willingness to serve.
Less than one percent of this country's population serve in its armed forces, yet we have the most recognized and powerful military force in the world. These young men and women have stepped forward, of their own free will, and given their talents, spirits, and lives to serve our nation. They are truly the best and finest that this nation has to offer. The truest testimony to their character is the fact that you do not often see them in the lime light. They are infrequently searching for photo ops. They are rarely seen accepting accolades. Yet they continue to serve, as have the unique generations before them, for the safety and security of America. It is so often a thankless job, so thanks for your willingness to serve.
In times of war, you are there. You give your life, defend our borders, and our national interests around the world. You suffer the trials of war, you free nations from tyranny, you save people from slavery, then you return home. There is no parade, there is no lucrative financial reward. There is only thanks, and that is what makes your service so remarkable.
In times of peace, you are there. You sacrifice hours, days, weeks, months, years patrolling our borders and protecting our freedom. You are ever vigilant, always ready, and always willing to serve. You miss your families. You miss their first steps, first words, and first breaths. You miss their warm embrace, their touch and face. You give so much more than anyone could expect, then you give more. Your tireless efforts in times of peace are to ensure your success in times of war. We have only thanks to give, but you would expect no more.
In times of disaster, you are there. You save us from the ravages of flood, the fierce winds of storms, and the violent rage of fire. Your service to our nation within her boundaries is as precious as your service on foreign soil. Many who would have perished have been saved by your willingness to risk all and bring them to safety. It is you who make us free, make us safe, and make us secure. Our thanks is a small down payment on the debt that so many owe.
In the history of the world, only American forces have crossed onto foreign soil, then returned the country to the people of that nation.
The people of Iraq are free, because of American troops. Thanks for them, for their voices, for their votes, and for their liberty.
The people of France are free because of American troops. Thanks for them, for their lives, and for their sovereignty.
The people of Kuwait are free because of American troops. Thanks for them, for their faith, and for their privilege.
The people of America are free, and remain free, because of American troops. “Thanks” seems to be such a small price to pay for our blessings. For free speech, we say thanks. Freedom of religion and the right to practice our faiths, thanks. The gifts and promises of liberty, for the common defense, for the peace and tranquility of America, thanks. You give so much, it is the least we can do.
Today is Veteran’s Day. It is your chance, America, to say “thanks” to those that serve. It is the least we can do for those who do so much. Today, say thanks to a veteran.
And from the entire staff at The Brushfire of Freedom, thanks.
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