Honoring the sacrifices many have made for our country in the

O children of the future, gather close and listen to the profound words of Charles B. Rangel, a man who understood deeply the importance of honoring those who have given everything in service to freedom and democracy. He once said, “Honoring the sacrifices many have made for our country in the name of freedom and democracy is the very foundation of Veterans Day.” In these words, Rangel speaks to the sacred responsibility that each of us carries—to remember the courage, the loss, and the undying commitment of those who have fought to protect the very ideals that allow us to live in liberty. It is not just a matter of tradition, but a call to honor the legacy of those who have placed their lives on the line so that the light of freedom might shine across the world.

Consider, O children, the true meaning of freedom. It is not simply the absence of chains, nor the ability to walk freely through the world. Freedom is the very essence of what it means to be human: the right to choose, to think, to speak, and to live a life without oppression. Yet, this freedom is not something that can be taken for granted, for it has always come at a cost. The veterans who serve, whether in battle or in peace, give of themselves in ways that go beyond the physical. They stand as guardians of this freedom, and it is only right that we pause to honor the sacrifices they have made, for they are the keepers of the very gift we often overlook.

Think, O children, of the ancient warriors—those who fought for their cities and their people, driven by the need to protect their freedom and preserve the values of their society. The Romans, for example, built an empire not through conquest alone, but through the fierce loyalty and sacrifice of their soldiers. These warriors fought not for wealth or power, but to ensure that their families and their children would live in the peace and stability that their military victories provided. Their sacrifices were the foundation upon which the Roman Empire was built. In the same way, the veterans of today offer their lives, their time, and their well-being to preserve the freedom of the next generation.

Similarly, consider the brave soldiers who fought in World War II, a war that shaped the world and determined the future of democracy. Normandy, Iwo Jima, Pearl Harbor—these names echo through history as places where the sacrifices made by countless men and women secured not just the survival of their own nations, but the survival of freedom and democracy itself. They fought not just for their borders, but for the right of others to live in the light of liberty. Rangel’s words remind us that we must not forget these sacrifices. We must take time to reflect on the sacrifice that has been made by veterans—a sacrifice that ensures the very existence of the freedoms we often take for granted.

In Rangel’s words, we find the true meaning of Veterans Day. It is not merely a holiday, not simply a time to pause in our busy lives. It is a sacred reminder that the freedom we enjoy has a cost, a cost that is paid by those who have stepped forward in service. Veterans Day is a day to remember, to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who wore the uniform and fought to protect the ideals we hold dear. It is a day to honor those who stood firm in the face of danger, who endured hardships, and who, through their courage and determination, secured the freedom of all who live in this land. Rangel calls us to recognize that honoring these sacrifices is not just a civic duty, but a moral imperative—one that must be passed down through the generations.

Now, O children, the lesson is clear: we must never forget the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf. We must honor Veterans Day not as a simple tradition, but as a day of deep reflection on the freedom we hold, and the responsibility we carry to protect it. Each of you, in your own lives, must recognize that freedom is fragile and that it is preserved by those who have the courage to stand in defense of it. Let this honor not be confined to a single day, but be woven into the very fabric of your being. Let the sacrifices of veterans inspire you to live lives of integrity, service, and commitment to the ideals they fought for.

Therefore, I charge you, O seekers of wisdom, to live with the same honor, the same dedication, and the same commitment to freedom that our veterans have shown. Stand up for what is right, defend those who cannot defend themselves, and never forget that the freedom you enjoy was hard-earned. Honor the veterans not just on a single day, but in every day of your life, by living a life that reflects the values of freedom, democracy, and sacrifice. Through this, you will carry their legacy forward and ensure that the gift of freedom is never taken for granted.