Honoring Those Who Have Fallen

A guest column originally posted at GetLiberty.org :

As Americans celebrate Memorial Day, and honor those who have served their nation, Americans for Limited Government would like to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of liberty over this nation's history.

We thank all of our service men and women, for the work that they do, and for sacrifices they have made to keep us all safe. And as we support them, we are also ever mindful of those who are still in harm's way today.

The great work that our military does often requires Americans to be far away from home, liberating captive peoples, and facing grave dangers. Many of them never return home to see their loved ones again. Today, our nation honors their sacrifice, and we are humbled by our servicemen and women's resolve in completing their mission.

Theirs is the greatest work that can be done in a world where tyranny still exists. Such service has made it possible for freedom and independence to spread into regions where once it had been suppressed. For fighting not just in the defense of Americans' liberty, but of all peoples, speaks of the nobility, honor, and courage of our fighting men and women. They do not have to risk life and limb, but they volunteer for the cause of freedom.

We are also reminded that it is the soldiers — Marines, airmen, sailors and others — who risk their lives to protect our way of life here at home, and the principles upon which this nation founded. Ours is a philosophy of liberty and limited government. And the exercise of natural rights is defended every day by the nation's military. We honor them because our way of life would be in great peril without their vigilant watchfulness.

The debt that is owed to those who serve can never truly be repaid. But as Americans, we must never turn its back on her veterans, their families, and the families of those who have fallen. It is up to each of us to do all in its power to honor them. And it is incumbent upon our elected leaders to ensure they have the best care possible when injured, and to make sure those families are looked after when they lose a father, a mother, a son, or a daughter.

Regardless of one's political stripes that should be a sacred trust all can agree upon.

To defend liberty in its hour of danger is the greatest call any American can ever answer. And the depths of our gratitude can never be adequately tapped.

From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe'er they go:
Thus ever let there rise to Thee,
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.