Hitler had marched through Europe with breathtaking speed. The German military machine seemed unstoppable. In the United States, many politicians hoped the oceans bordering our shores would prove barriers enough to keep the United States out of the “European problem.” Powerful United States senators preached isolationism to the last.
Then came Pearl Harbor. The Japanese attack on the Pacific fleet of the United States left America emotionally dazed and militarily crippled. The attack also left this nation united. Like it or not, America was at war, and no one in the United States doubted the need for a strong national defense in 1942.
Volunteers poured into the armed services. Those not in the military transformed a peacetime economy into an industrial war machine unmatched in history. Serving the country was a duty — a responsibility for all citizens — and Americans of every color and creed did it well.
Soldier and civilian both understood the need for national defense. Whether in the frozen Belgian forest or the sands of nameless Pacific islands, men and women risked their lives for the nation. Many gave their lives to preserve what was called “the American way.”
A grateful nation honored its veterans. Parades and speeches provided emotional tributes to those who fought for freedom. Government programs such as the GI Bill translated the nation’s gratitude into tangible efforts to assist veterans.
That was almost 60 years ago. In the decades since the end of World War II, appreciation for the military waned in many places. Sometimes citizens seemed almost hostile toward those serving in the nation’s armed forces. There were moments of pride, but generally speaking, the need for a strong self-defense was not a high priority for the people.
Few Americans ever experienced a threat to their safety and security from a foreign power. No nation rivals the United States as a superpower. More pressing were national problems — everyday issues that impacted life on a daily basis. The military seemed distant. National security was someone else’s concern. Appreciation for individual veterans went the way of appreciation for national security. The military became a job like other jobs. Patriotism, duty, national responsibility became concepts relegated to Fourth of July speeches. Some citizens became absorbed in themselves and hoped the regional conflicts of the 1990s in Europe and elsewhere would not touch the United States.
Then came 9/11. Hijacked passenger airliners were deliberately flown into the economic and military hubs of the United States. Thousands died when these flying bombs exploded. Once again the nation was emotionally dazed. Economically, the attacks contributed to a tailspin from which the nation has yet to recover.
But once again, the evil of a sneak attack united the nation in its commitment to a strong national defense. That defense is more than high-powered computer-guided weapons. The simplicity of the 9/11 attack reinforced the need for individuals to guard America and its people from those who would do them evil.
Tracking terrorists around the world takes people. Searching caves in Afghanistan for radical military forces takes people. Guarding the seas and skies from future attacks takes people. It takes people who love America, who are dedicated to protecting the freedoms and the way of life enjoyed in this nation.
November 11 is Veterans Day. It is a time when the nation acknowledges its indebtedness to those who served and those who still serve in America’s armed forces. It is a time to say thank you to these men and women individually as well.
Countless communities will host special events honoring veterans. Many businesses are planning special activities honoring veterans. It is appropriate for those of us who know our eternal security is only in Jesus Christ to say thank you to those who help preserve our earthly security — the veterans of our armed forces.
This Veterans Day there is a renewed appreciation for those who have worn the uniforms of military service. To all, a sincere thank you for your contribution to preserving the American way of life.
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