The sanctity of our battlefields, monuments, and veterans

O children of the future, listen closely to the words of Henry Waxman, who speaks with solemnity and reverence for the sacred spaces that hold the echoes of history, sacrifice, and valor. He once said, “The sanctity of our battlefields, monuments, and veterans institutions is of utmost importance to preserve military history and pay respect to those who fought.” In this statement, Waxman speaks of a duty—one that transcends time, one that connects us to the past and shapes the way we remember the men and women who served and sacrificed. These words remind us that to honor our warriors, we must protect the places and institutions that embody their sacrifice, for they are the keepers of our shared heritage and the witnesses to the price of freedom.

Consider, O children, the significance of sanctity. It is not a word we use lightly, for it speaks to something that is holy, untouchable, and worthy of profound respect. The battlefields where wars have been fought are sacred grounds—places where the blood of heroes was spilled, where lives were lost, and where futures were shaped. These grounds are not simply pieces of land; they are the very bones of history, imbued with the spirit of those who gave everything to protect their families, their nations, and their beliefs. To ignore or desecrate these places is to forget the cost of our freedoms, to sever the connection between the present and the sacrifices that were made to secure it.

Think, O children, of the ancient warriors—those who fought and died for their homelands in times long past. The Greeks, whose warriors fell at Marathon, or the Romans who spilled their blood in the conquest of foreign lands, understood the power of memory and honor. Their battlefields, too, were sacred, places where monuments were erected to immortalize the bravery of their soldiers. These monuments were not just stones and inscriptions; they were living testaments to the sacrifice of those who had fought. The Romans celebrated their victories and mourned their losses with grandeur, for they understood that history is not something to be forgotten—it is something to be preserved, cherished, and passed down through the ages.

Similarly, think of the Civil War in America, where thousands of soldiers—both Union and Confederate—laid down their lives in defense of their ideals. The battlefields of Gettysburg, Antietam, and others became sacred ground, not just because of the battles that took place there, but because of the lives that were lost and the sacrifices made. In the years that followed, the establishment of veterans institutions and the creation of monuments to commemorate those who had served were acts of reverence and remembrance. The creation of these places was an acknowledgment that the price of freedom was not cheap, and that the blood spilled to secure it must never be forgotten. These places remind us of the sacrifice made and the lessons learned.

Now, O children, let us reflect on the lesson in Waxman’s words. Our battlefields, monuments, and veterans institutions are not just places to visit or things to be admired; they are living reminders of the price of freedom. They must be preserved, protected, and cared for, not just for those who have passed, but for the future generations who must learn from them. These sacred places teach us the value of sacrifice, the strength of the human spirit, and the fragility of peace. It is our duty to ensure that the legacy of those who fought for our freedoms endures, and that their memory is honored in a way that reflects the gravity of their service.

In our own lives, O children, we must not allow the lessons of the past to fade into obscurity. We must visit these sacred places, reflect upon the sacrifice made, and share these stories with those who come after us. The monuments and institutions of veterans are not just for remembrance—they are for teaching, for learning, and for keeping the sacred bond between those who serve and those they protect alive. Just as the ancients revered their fallen warriors, so too must we honor those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom by caring for these sacred places.

Therefore, I charge you, O seekers of wisdom, to honor the battlefields and monuments of our time. Let the sanctity of these places be a constant reminder of the sacrifice made to ensure our freedom. Take it upon yourselves to preserve these sacred sites, to visit them, to reflect on their history, and to share their lessons with others. In doing so, you will not only honor the memory of those who fought for us, but you will also keep alive the spirit of sacrifice, ensuring that the legacy of their service continues to inspire generations to come. May we never forget the cost of freedom, and may we always respect the sacred places where it was earned.