We all want to do everything we can to help our veterans; it is

The statesman and former senator Tommy Tuberville once spoke with clarity and conviction: “We all want to do everything we can to help our veterans; it is a part of our American values and sense of patriotism.” In these words lies a profound recognition: patriotism is not merely the celebration of heroes, nor the waving of flags and singing of songs. It is the sustained, active devotion to the welfare of those who have borne the burdens of service. To honor veterans is to honor the nation itself, for they embody its courage, sacrifice, and enduring ideals.

The ancients understood this principle well. In Rome, soldiers returning from distant campaigns were greeted with both ceremony and provision, for a society that failed to care for its defenders risked both moral decay and civil unrest. Similarly, the Greeks provided pensions and land to veterans, recognizing that patriotism is inseparable from responsibility. Tuberville’s reflection mirrors this timeless understanding: a nation’s love for its defenders is measured not by rhetoric alone, but by concrete actions that sustain their lives and dignity.

History offers striking examples of this principle in practice. Consider the G.I. Bill enacted after World War II. Millions of veterans returned to civilian life with the promise of education, housing, and employment opportunities. This was not mere gratitude in words; it was a deliberate act of patriotism by the American people, recognizing that the courage and sacrifice of their soldiers demanded tangible support. Veterans were honored not only by commemoration, but by investment in their future and the nation’s collective prosperity.

The meaning of Tuberville’s words goes beyond policy—it touches the moral soul of a nation. To care for veterans is to affirm the value of service, courage, and sacrifice, and to bind these virtues into the fabric of society. A nation that neglects its veterans fails not only them, but the ideals they fought to protect. Patriotism, therefore, is a living practice: it manifests in hospitals, homes, educational institutions, and communities, as well as in parades and ceremonies.

Consider the story of Audie Murphy, one of the most decorated American soldiers of World War II. After enduring unimaginable horrors on the battlefield, he returned home to a nation that both celebrated his heroism and provided support for his reintegration into civilian life. Murphy became a symbol not only of bravery, but also of a society’s obligation to care for those who carry the burdens of service. Tuberville’s words echo this truth: patriotism is best expressed when the nation sustains the lives and dignity of its veterans.

The lesson for all generations is clear: love of country is inseparable from care for those who defend it. It is not enough to admire courage from a distance or to recount tales of valor in speeches. True patriotism requires action, responsibility, and sustained commitment to the welfare of veterans. The values of a society are measured not by how loudly it praises its defenders, but by how diligently it supports them in life, health, and opportunity.

Practically, this teaching calls each citizen to act with awareness and compassion. Support veterans’ programs, advocate for healthcare and housing initiatives, mentor returning soldiers, and engage with their stories and struggles. Every gesture of help, from volunteering to legislation, strengthens the bond between society and those who have served. Patriotism is not a sentiment reserved for holidays; it is a daily, active commitment to justice, care, and honor.

Thus, Tuberville’s wisdom endures as both guide and inspiration: true patriotism is measured in deeds, not words, and is most fully expressed in the care and support of veterans. When a nation lifts up those who have given themselves in service, it affirms its values, strengthens its soul, and ensures that courage, sacrifice, and duty are honored not only in memory, but in the living reality of community and nation.