Where Are Our Heroes?

My mother used to say, “We can’t all be heroes. Some of us must sit along on the curb and clap and wave as they go by.” Otherwise, they may not know how much we appreciate them.

Heroes are still alive today and they are all around us. I’m reminded of that as Veterans Day is here. Election day, right around the corner, also reminds me of all the heroes who have died and sacrificed so much for us to remain free. We are free to choose our elected officials as many around the world are not.

We are truly blessed to live in this great country. I’m so grateful for the heroes who have preserved our country and the freedoms we enjoy. The very winds of our plains carry freedom everywhere, from sea to shining sea.

Our brilliant founders gave us the framework in our founding documents. They acknowledged that our rights came from “Almighty God with certain inalienable rights.” Those rights are worth protecting. This means that those rights can’t be taken away.

I’ve written before about Martin Niemoller, a decorated captain in World War 1. He was a high-profile opponent of the Nazis as they gained a firm hold on the reins to power in Germany. He said:

First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out ——

Because I was not a communist;

Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out —-

Because I was not a socialist;

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out —-

Because I was not a trade unionist;

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out —-

Because I was not a Jew;

Then they came for me—-

And there was no one left to speak out for me.

Most of us are guilty of only speaking out when it affects us. We tend not to care if someone else’s freedom is at stake. But who will speak up for you when something you care about is in jeopardy. And it will happen if we continue the current path.

We have become very comfortable with our way of life. We simply want to be left alone. News Flash. It ain’t happening. Remember, we are not able to maintain that which we are not willing to defend. It’s up to each of us to remain active in the fight for freedom.

Edward Everett Hale said, “I am only one; but still, I am one. I cannot do everything; but still, I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”

As you go to the polls to vote in this election, and I trust that you will, remember that precious freedom that Americans enjoy. We take so much for granted but those freedoms have not been preserved without great sacrifices.

This country is in deep trouble in so many ways. Crime is rampant, inflation is out of control, our border is wide open, drugs are killing our young people, our freedom of speech has been attacked, there’s a workforce shortage that is forcing businesses to close, our children are being sexualized and told they can be girls or boys, etc. This list could go on and on.

With all her warts, America is still the best place on planet Earth. People still risk their lives everyday to come here and be a part of the American Dream. We, as Americans are guaranteed as our birthright, access to the American Dream.

We have a responsibility to do our civic duty and to protect the rights given to us. I hope that you will exercise your right to vote. I also hope that you will vote for those who will uphold our values and protect our freedom.

Thank God for our heroes, all around us, who have suited up for battle through the years, stood on that wall and shouted, “Who goes there, friend or foe?”

We owe everything to our heroes. Join me on the curb, to clap and wave as they go by. They need to know how much we appreciate the sacrifices they’ve made.