Boots On The Ground

For a lot of people Memorial Day is often confused with Veterans Day in terms of importance and meaning.  As a grateful nation we take out considerable time each year to honor those who have served or are currently serving in one of the five branches of the military.  Memorial Day (last Monday in May) is a time to honor those lost during wars and combat, while Veterans Day (November 11) celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.   Regardless of how one feels about these two special days, we should not forget that many of the liberties we enjoy today are because of those who defended and serve to protect those freedoms.

These times are not just about honoring those who so bravely served to defend the rights of us all, but these are also times to refocus on what is so important in life...freedom, family and faith.  Without a doubt these times help us to gain some insights into what real sacrifices look like and that each day there are military service-members in harm’s way around the world.  And in the words of Colonel Nathan Jessup (played by Jack Nicholson) in the movie ‘A Few Men’... “You want me on that wall and you need me on that wall.”  Nothing says it so clearly about the ongoing commitments of so many during these times of shifting politics, conflicts and terrorism.    

Too often we do not treasure what we have until it is gone, challenged or becomes questioned.  It takes a lot to keep a strong military going, to keep things safe and to maintain peace.  The one thing that has been the backbone of our great nation has been the ability to advance US values, interests and objectives.  In addition, our military defends the values of human rights, restore peace and to guard against tyranny.  It’s a tall order and the mission is ongoing... “to defend the Constitution of the United State against all enemies, foreign and domestic...” 

Now that is the hard part, where the rubber meets the road.  Not only do we need boots on the ground to defend our freedoms globally, we also need social and economic boots on the ground to turn around many of our most challenging communities.   We are in dire need of support from a new wave of community foot soldiers who will help take on restorative justice, economic empowerment, and holistic healing.   So, I say... It’s time to strap them up!