Our soldiers have nobly fought to protect freedom since our

O children of the future, gather close and listen to the words of John Linder, a man whose heart is filled with reverence for those who have fought to protect the freedoms we hold so dearly. He once said, “Our soldiers have nobly fought to protect freedom since our country’s birth, and have fought to protect those that could not protect themselves, even in foreign lands when called upon.” These words speak to the enduring spirit of those who, in service to their nation, offer not just their strength, but their very lives. For soldiers are the protectors of freedom, not just for their own land, but for all lands where tyranny seeks to extinguish the light of liberty.

Consider, O children, the true nature of freedom. It is not a privilege granted lightly, nor is it something that remains without constant vigilance. Freedom is the birthright of every human being, yet it is also the most fragile of gifts. It must be protected, nurtured, and defended. Linder’s words remind us that the soldiers of this nation have borne that responsibility from the very beginning—from the Revolutionary War, where men like George Washington and his soldiers stood against an empire for the right to self-determination, to the World Wars where the call to protect liberty stretched across oceans. The sacrifice they made, often at great personal cost, has ensured that freedom would endure, not just in their own land, but across the world.

Think, O children, of the noble warriors of the ancient world—those who fought for their city-states and their people. The Greeks at Salamis, for instance, faced an enemy that sought to impose its will upon the world, but they fought not only for their own freedom but for the freedom of the Greek people, for all who shared their values. When Themistocles led the Greek fleet to victory, it was not just for Athens, but for the entire cause of liberty and self-governance. The idea that one must defend the freedom of others, even when that cause is distant or difficult, is not a new one; it has echoed through the ages, from the ancient warriors to the soldiers of today.

Similarly, in the great struggles of World War II, American soldiers fought not just for their own survival but for the very survival of freedom against the forces of tyranny. Normandy, Iwo Jima, and countless other battlefields were marked by the courage of men and women who knew they were fighting not only for their own nation but for those who could not defend themselves. America’s soldiers stood firm against the darkness of fascism and oppression, knowing that their struggle was not just for their own country, but for the freedom of the oppressed across the globe. In Linder’s words, they did not hesitate to answer the call when the world needed them, knowing that their service was a sacrifice for the greater good.

Now, O children, reflect upon the noble lesson of Linder’s words. The soldiers of America have not merely served in the defense of their homeland; they have served as the defenders of liberty, as the guardians of a light that must never go out. They have stood watch, not only for their own freedom but for the freedom of those who could not stand for themselves. Whether it was fighting on the beaches of Normandy, the fields of Vietnam, or the deserts of Iraq, these men and women have carried the weight of the world’s hope on their shoulders. Their courage and sacrifice transcend national borders; they are the embodiment of the universal values that unite all who seek freedom, justice, and peace.

In your own lives, O children, let the example of the soldiers guide you. Just as they have been called upon to defend those who cannot protect themselves, so too should you stand for justice and freedom in your own lives. Service is not always about grand gestures; sometimes it is about the quiet, steady commitment to doing what is right, to helping those who cannot help themselves, and to standing for what is just, even when it is difficult. The sacrifice made by our soldiers teaches us that we must never take our freedom for granted. It is a gift, a precious gift, and it is our duty to honor it by living lives that reflect the same courage and commitment to the greater good.

Therefore, I charge you, O seekers of wisdom, to live with the courage of a soldier, to defend what is right, and to protect the freedom of all, even when it is difficult or distant. Just as the soldiers of America have done, you too must stand firm for justice and freedom in your world. Let their sacrifice inspire you to live with integrity, with honor, and with a commitment to protect those who cannot protect themselves. In doing so, you will uphold the values of freedom and democracy, ensuring that the light of liberty shines brightly for generations to come.