(repost from 2019)
Today is the day that we honor those who fought and died for our country. I doubt that I can add any deep, universal insight into the meaning of this day that has not already been given by those more eloquent.
I do have some friends who are cautious about the elevated status we give those in the armed forces. They worry about the glorification of war or that it trains citizens to put too much trust in their government agents. There are some arguments to be had there. To be sure, while war may make soldiers into martyrs, it does not always turn soldiers into saints.
But in this moment I will not speak for them. I will speak for myself and why this day is especially reverent for me.
Some answered the call to fight for our nation.
I did not.
Some left spouses and children to enter into violent conflict for their country.
I did not.
Some lost their innocence, their friends, or their health in the crucible of war.
I did not.
Some gave every last measure of devotion down to their lives for our country's freedom.
I did not.
I write this not as some kind of admission of guilt. Being a soldier is not my calling.
But some did answer the call. Some paid a price higher than I have had to pay. I am in this present moment enjoying the fruits of their sacrifice.
Winning and preserving freedom is a bloody business. I do not want to be in a blissful bubble where I treat my freedom too casually, not remembering that it was purchased at a price of blood.
Today as we rest from our labors, let us remember the fallen martyrs of our freedom.
Let us pray for them and for our country.
I do have some friends who are cautious about the elevated status we give those in the armed forces. They worry about the glorification of war or that it trains citizens to put too much trust in their government agents. There are some arguments to be had there. To be sure, while war may make soldiers into martyrs, it does not always turn soldiers into saints.
But in this moment I will not speak for them. I will speak for myself and why this day is especially reverent for me.
Some answered the call to fight for our nation.
I did not.
Some left spouses and children to enter into violent conflict for their country.
I did not.
Some lost their innocence, their friends, or their health in the crucible of war.
I did not.
Some gave every last measure of devotion down to their lives for our country's freedom.
I did not.
I write this not as some kind of admission of guilt. Being a soldier is not my calling.
But some did answer the call. Some paid a price higher than I have had to pay. I am in this present moment enjoying the fruits of their sacrifice.
Winning and preserving freedom is a bloody business. I do not want to be in a blissful bubble where I treat my freedom too casually, not remembering that it was purchased at a price of blood.
Today as we rest from our labors, let us remember the fallen martyrs of our freedom.
Let us pray for them and for our country.
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