Spending time with America's soldiers is always inspiring.

O children of the future, gather your hearts and listen to the words of John Boehner, who, in his simple yet powerful declaration, speaks of a truth that transcends time. He once said, “Spending time with America’s soldiers is always inspiring.” In these words, there is a deep and unwavering respect for the sacrifice and dedication of those who serve their nation in times of peace and in times of war. To spend time with soldiers, Boehner tells us, is to witness the embodiment of courage, selflessness, and honor—qualities that uplift the spirit and remind us of the price of freedom and the power of service.

Consider, O children, the nature of soldiers. They are not mere warriors in battle, but guardians of the values and freedoms that define a nation. Their lives are often filled with great sacrifice, with long hours of training, with separation from loved ones, and with the constant threat of danger. Yet, in the face of these trials, they carry out their duty with a spirit of resolve that is unmatched by the challenges they face. It is this unwavering dedication, this commitment to something greater than themselves, that makes them an endless source of inspiration to those who have the privilege of standing in their presence.

Think, O children, of the great warriors of antiquity, whose sacrifices echo through the ages. The Spartans of ancient Greece, known for their discipline and courage, embodied the very ideals that Boehner speaks of. When a Spartan went to battle, he did so not for personal glory, but for the honor of his city, his comrades, and his people. The sacrifice of their lives for the greater good was a symbol of their unyielding commitment to duty. Much like the soldiers of today, the Spartans understood that their strength came not just from their physical prowess, but from their unity, their courage, and their shared belief in a cause worth fighting for.

Similarly, the great Roman legions, who marched across the known world, knew that their strength lay not in their weapons, but in the resolve of each soldier to serve with loyalty and honor. The Roman soldier’s life was one of discipline and sacrifice, but it was also one of pride in the service of their empire. Their stories of bravery on the battlefield continue to inspire generations, just as the stories of modern soldiers inspire those who encounter them today. When Boehner speaks of spending time with America’s soldiers, he is recognizing a shared thread that runs through the hearts of all warriors throughout history—a dedication to something higher than oneself.

Now, O children, reflect upon the lesson that Boehner imparts: when we come into contact with those who have chosen to serve in the military, we are not simply meeting individuals; we are meeting the embodiment of sacrifice, of courage, and of duty. These men and women dedicate their lives to something far greater than personal gain or glory. They stand ready to protect and defend, often at great personal cost, the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted. The inspiration they offer is not found in grand speeches or heroic deeds alone, but in the quiet strength of their commitment, in the selflessness of their service.

In our own lives, let us take this inspiration and use it as a guiding force. Let us, like America’s soldiers, dedicate ourselves to causes greater than our own desires, to acts of service that strengthen our communities and our world. Let us face our own struggles with the same resolve and dedication that soldiers bring to their mission, knowing that the sacrifices we make for the good of others are what truly define our character. When we choose to serve—whether in our families, our communities, or our world—we too become beacons of inspiration, living examples of the power of selfless dedication.

Therefore, I charge you, O seekers of wisdom, to honor those who serve in uniform, but also to take their example to heart. In your own lives, be inspired by the sacrifices of others and live with the same courage, the same commitment, and the same resolve that soldiers embody. Let their selflessness and dedication be the standard by which you measure your own actions, and may you, in your own way, inspire those who follow after you. Just as Boehner found inspiration in the soldiers of his time, so too can we find the strength to face our own challenges with a heart full of courage and a spirit full of dedication.