"Now more than ever Americans need to show our enemies that we are united and prepared to defeat them on the streets of America, just as our military defeats them on the battlefield."
Remembering the Greatest Generation and WWII Sacrifice
Very few Americans are still around who lived through the World War II era, when Americans came together to defeat Nazi Germany and the Empire of Japan on the battlefields of Africa, Europe, and Asia, as well as on the home front through the sacrifices made by everyday citizens.
A rapidly dwindling group rightly called “the Greatest Generation,” they showed the enemies of our country that Americans would come together as one to face the challenges and defeat our enemies.
The Kennedy Doctrine: A Call to Sacrifice
Just under twenty years later, during his inaugural address, newly elected President John F. Kennedy told the American people and our enemies that “we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty.” My, how times have changed.
Division and the Decline of Patriotism
Our country has since become so polarized philosophically and culturally that instead of coming together during times of national emergency, many Americans outright reject the notion of rallying around the flag to support America. Unfortunately, patriotism and love of country often seem like foreign concepts to some Americans, who have shown a willingness instead to commit acts of violence against each other simply for holding political beliefs that differ from their own.
Sacrifice: Then and Now
It would seem that sacrifice has also become a thing of the past. The World War II generation participated in scrap metal and rubber drives to collect materials important for the war effort, faced blackouts and even gas rationing, along with other disruptions to normal, everyday life. Today, Americans become nearly apoplectic over a temporary spike in prices at the gas pumps.
Politics Over Country: A Dangerous Shift
Our politicians in Washington were once able to place country over party. Nowadays, at least for the Democrats, that seems to be a thing of the past. All one has to do is look at previous State of the Union addresses given by President Donald Trump. Democrats sat on their hands when non-political guests invited by Trump, including two who received the Medal of Honor, were disrespected by members of the Democrat side who refused to stand and applaud. Instead, they sat there stoically for no other reason than to show their contempt for President Trump, instead of celebrating two of America’s heroes.
Modern Conflict and the Need for Resilience
With America involved in significant military operations against Iran, now more than ever American citizens need to understand that there may be some short-term, temporary disruptions to everyday life. There won’t be scrap metal and rubber drives, or even gas rationing as in World War II. Any discomfort and disruptions will be far less painful than those experienced by the Greatest Generation.
The Stakes: National Security and American Unity
While Democrats refuse to support the actions President Trump has taken against Iran—to the point of even appearing to be rooting for the Iranians over our own troops—Americans need to recognize that now is indeed the time to come together. What is happening in the Middle East will have far more significant long-term benefits for the United States, which will far outweigh any short-term sacrifices that Americans are being asked to make.
The Enduring Wisdom of JFK
Our world will be a better and safer place—but only if Americans remember the words of John F. Kennedy back in 1961, to “pay any price and bear any burden in the name of freedom and liberty.”
I would add another quote from JFK’s inaugural address, telling Americans to “ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”
The Final Charge: Stand United for Freedom
Now more than ever Americans need to show our enemies that we are united and prepared to defeat them on the streets of America, just as our military defeats them on the battlefield.
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