Lately, it has weighed on my heart that to Remember and Honor, is the least we can do for those who have served, are still serving and their families. But if we can TEACH the next generation about what it means to serve and sacrifice for others, we can truly make a difference not only in the lives of our nation’s veterans, but for all Americans.
Like me, I am sure many of you are making plans to attend or participate in Veteran’s Day ceremonies in your communities. Veteran’s Day, formally Armistice Day, is a day designated to encourage us as Americans to honor the sacrifice of those who have served to preserve our freedom. Wreaths Across America’s mission is to carry on that initiative, every day. We believe that sharing the stories of our veterans is the best way to nurture patriotism and make a personal connection with history.
As we share the life stories of those who serve, it also provides us an opportunity to talk about our country and the principles that set us apart as a free nation that aspires to serve the greater good. The gift of freedom that we enjoy comes at great cost and the account is not closed. Continued security is reliant on the military and the young people who volunteer to join its ranks.
It is hard to explain to generations who have always enjoyed freedom just how different their lives would be without it. It is the greatest tribute we can offer our veterans who fought for us all, to teach our children love of country and responsibility for preservation of our – and their – way of life.
I believe that this is the greatest homage we can pay our veterans on Nov. 11, and every day. I leave you with these words from President Ronald Reagan’s farewell address that summarizes how I feel at this critical time in our history.
“We’ve got to do a better job of getting across that America is freedom – freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of enterprise. And freedom is special and rare. It’s fragile; it needs protection.
So, we’ve got to teach history based not on what’s in fashion but what’s important…You know, 4 years ago on the 40th anniversary of D-Day, I read a letter from a young woman writing to her late father, who’d fought on Omaha Beach. Her name was Lisa Zanatta Henn, and she said, “we will always remember, we will never forget what the boys of Normandy did.” Well, let’s help her keep her word. If we forget what we did, we won’t know who we are. I’m warning of an eradication of the American memory that could result, ultimately, in an erosion of the American spirit. Let’s start with some basics: more attention to American history and a greater emphasis on civic ritual.
And let me offer lesson number one about America: All great change in America begins at the dinner table. So, tomorrow night in the kitchen I hope the talking begins. And children, if your parents haven’t been teaching you what it means to be an American, let ’em know and nail ’em on it. That would be a very American thing to do.”
Remember – Honor – Teach
With gratitude,
Royal Canadian Legion, US Branch #25 