A sad irony of the legacy of human history is that we so rarely have peace unless it is forced upon us. Many a human civilization has tried to live peacefully without an umbrella of vigilance and military protection because they would not or could not provide it. All too often, the unfortunate consequence is that such civilizations become the target of predatory regimes that have no interest in peace, mercy, or justice.
Thus it is that America maintains Armed Forces and calls upon them to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” Memorial Day is our opportunity to pay respect and honor to those who have gone before us in service to our nation. Whether in war or in peace, America has lost too early sons and daughters who have sacrificed themselves for the benefit of others.
While our tribute through prayers, parades, memorial services, and other ceremonies is proper and fitting, we can also honor our military personnel, both living and dead, by remembering that freedom, liberty, and peace are secured only through vigilance, hard work, and sacrifice.
CDR Gene Fluckey was among the first generation of World War II submarine commanding officers to abandon certain conservative battle tactics employed by those preceding them. Upon the return from an extremely successful first patrol as commanding officer of the USS Barb, CDR Fluckey was summoned to a visit with President Roosevelt in July 1944. After briefly discussing his patrol with the President, CDR Fluckey was told, “Battle reports like yours let me sleep, confident that peace is inevitable.” (Carl LaVO, The Galloping Ghost, Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, 2007, p. 74)
Let us honor this Memorial Day, and every day, those who sacrifice to make “peace inevitable.”
Thus it is that America maintains Armed Forces and calls upon them to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” Memorial Day is our opportunity to pay respect and honor to those who have gone before us in service to our nation. Whether in war or in peace, America has lost too early sons and daughters who have sacrificed themselves for the benefit of others.
While our tribute through prayers, parades, memorial services, and other ceremonies is proper and fitting, we can also honor our military personnel, both living and dead, by remembering that freedom, liberty, and peace are secured only through vigilance, hard work, and sacrifice.
CDR Gene Fluckey was among the first generation of World War II submarine commanding officers to abandon certain conservative battle tactics employed by those preceding them. Upon the return from an extremely successful first patrol as commanding officer of the USS Barb, CDR Fluckey was summoned to a visit with President Roosevelt in July 1944. After briefly discussing his patrol with the President, CDR Fluckey was told, “Battle reports like yours let me sleep, confident that peace is inevitable.” (Carl LaVO, The Galloping Ghost, Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, 2007, p. 74)
Let us honor this Memorial Day, and every day, those who sacrifice to make “peace inevitable.”
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