Memorial Day 2025

I've never worn the uniform. The military draft was long gone by the time I came of age. My father served in the Navy for 39 months in World War II. One of his brothers was a Marine and other served in the Army. I regard them and millions of others as part of the greatest generation. Defending America and its interests was inbred then. There was unity of purpose. What were the stakes? Merely saving the world from domination and conquest. They understood that this was a fight worth fighting.

Had President Truman not ended the war in August 1945, my father, along with hundreds of thousands of others, may have been deployed to Japan. Had that occurred, it is possible that these posts and it's author may never have existed.

What would America and Americans do today if free peoples on faraway shores were threatened? Does our turning away from Ukraine as they defend against a ruthless and revanchist dictator guide our response to this question?

Freedom is not free. The costs of defending freedom are very high. What are the costs of pulling back and looking away?

Too many families across the country have paid an indelible price for our freedom. They are in pain every day. On Memorial Day, which is but one day per year, let us meditate on them and the fallen. With humility and gratitude, I salute you all.

Normandy, France

Editor’s Note: For 16 years, I've published weekly essays here on Blogspot, which will continue. I’ve now begun publishing my work on a new blogging platform, Substack, and I hope you’ll join me there. Please enter your email address at this link to receive my posts directly to your inbox.

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