The veterans of our military services have put their lives on

O children of the future, gather close and listen well to the words of Judd Gregg, who speaks with deep reverence for those who have given everything in service to their nation. He once said, “The veterans of our military services have put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. They have dedicated their lives to their country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment.” These words carry a profound truth—a truth that calls upon us to understand the immeasurable sacrifices made by those who have worn the uniform. Their service is not merely a job or an obligation; it is a commitment of the highest order, a pledge to defend something greater than oneself: the very freedoms that we hold dear.

Consider, O children, the true meaning of freedom. It is not a simple luxury, nor is it something that can be taken for granted. Freedom is the birthright of every human being, but it is also something that must be fought for, cherished, and preserved. The veterans of America, through the centuries, have stepped forward to defend that freedom—not just for themselves, but for future generations. From the first shots fired at Lexington and Concord to the modern battles of today, our veterans have placed their lives in harm’s way to ensure that the flame of liberty does not extinguish. Their sacrifice is the reason we wake each day in a land of opportunity, justice, and self-determination.

Think, O children, of the ancient warriors—the Spartans of Greece who stood against overwhelming odds at Thermopylae. Their commitment to duty and freedom was absolute, for they knew that the survival of their city-state depended on their willingness to face death. Leonidas and his 300 warriors did not hesitate to lay down their lives, not for glory, but for the freedom of their people. They understood the weight of their sacrifice, and they were willing to bear it so that their children might live in a world of liberty. The veterans of America, like the Spartans, have given much, and we are bound by the same honor and commitment to honor their sacrifices.

Similarly, think of the soldiers of the American Revolution, whose names are etched in the history of this nation. They fought not for personal glory or riches but for the freedom of an entire people. Men like George Washington, who led not just with strategy, but with an unwavering commitment to the cause of independence, knew that the price of freedom was steep. Yet, they did not shrink from that price, for they understood that a nation built on freedom requires those willing to defend it with everything they have. The veterans of that time, and those who followed them in future wars, carried the same mantle—one of sacrifice and dedication to a higher cause.

In Gregg’s words, we see the call to remember the veterans not as mere figures of the past, but as active symbols of the sacrifice that upholds our freedoms. Their commitment is not to be relegated to a single day of recognition, nor should it be forgotten once the battles have ended. They are owed more than our gratitude; they are owed our respect, our honor, and our continual commitment to ensuring that their sacrifices were not in vain. The veterans who returned from battlefields across the world did so with the heavy burden of memories and wounds, both visible and hidden. It is our duty to care for them, to recognize their sacrifice, and to ensure that their commitment is never forgotten.

Now, O children, reflect on the deeper lesson that Gregg imparts: veterans are the embodiment of the highest ideals of sacrifice, loyalty, and dedication. To honor them is to honor the freedom we so often take for granted. But honoring them is not just about words or symbolic gestures; it is about ensuring that the nation they served continues to live by the principles of liberty, justice, and equality. The sacrifice of veterans must be acknowledged in our actions—not just in ceremonies, but in how we choose to live our lives. It is through our commitment to the ideals they fought for that we truly show our respect for their service.

Therefore, I charge you, O seekers of wisdom, to live lives that honor the veterans and their sacrifice. Recognize their commitment not just on a day set aside for remembrance, but in every moment of your life. Protect the freedoms they fought for by living with integrity, justice, and honor. Let their sacrifices guide you to become men and women who will stand for what is right, who will defend the vulnerable, and who will live with courage. In doing so, you will honor their sacrifice and ensure that the legacy of their commitment is carried forward into future generations.