IN DEFENSE OF COMMON SENSE
By Hetty Gray
November 11, 2021
“Day of days”
First of all, I wish to thank each veteran reader or reader whose family member (or family members) served his or her country. It is of paramount importance to every American — a sincere, heart-felt thank you to all who serve or served.
Today we honor those men and women — those brave, selfless souls who comprise our armed forces. Dating to the eleventh hour of the eleventh month in 1918 when the Armistice was signed to end World War I, the day of remembrance continues. Once deemed Armistice Day, most of us recognize it as “Veterans’ Day.” It is fitting that it came at the end of World War I, due to the terrible human toll that conflict took on those nations involved. The total number of military and civilian casualties in World War I was about 40 million: estimates range from around 15 to 22 million deaths and about 23 million wounded military personnel. Those figures are staggering today. It is no wonder that that war prompted a moniker.
Notably, it was named “The War to End All Wars.” Long and drawn out, it is the opposite of this column — deliberately short and to the point.
To a person, each deserves our respect and praise. On the heels of the 246th Anniversary of the Marine Corps, today is seminal to our daily lives. Why? To claim that our men and women in uniform assure our safety is no idle statement. They do.
The Corps proudly gives the history of a portion of the Marine Corps Hymn so familiar to us — “to the shores of Tripoli.” Heed the Marine Corps history.
As the 18th century drew to a close, the fledgling United States government was still struggling to find its way. Heavily in debt after the Revolutionary War and the Louisiana Purchase, the government had disbanded the Navy. During this time, the Barbary Corsairs (pirates) from northern Africa regularly disrupted trade in the Mediterranean by capturing ships, stealing cargo and taking those on board to be sold as slaves or ransomed. Other nations simply paid a tribute to the Barbary rulers in exchange for safe passage of all ships under their flag. When the United States refused to pay, the leader of Tripoli declared war on the United States.
In response, the USS Philadelphia was sent to blockade the harbor and confront the pirates. When the ship ran aground on an uncharted reef, however, the crew was taken captive to be ransomed by the pirates.
These events provoked Thomas Jefferson and congress to take further military action against the pirates. Six Navy frigates were commissioned and sent to challenge the pirates. As part of this effort, Jefferson also sent William Eaton and 8 US Marines on an expedition to gain support to overthrow the Barbary ruler. The Marine Corps involvement in the United States “first war on terror,” would eventually become a legendary part of its history, with a reference to it in the Marine Hymn (“…to the shores of Tripoli”).
And so, from 1775 to the present, our armed forces have fought against all manner of evil around the globe. Employers will tell you, unequivocally, that hiring veterans assures that the company chain of command is even stronger.
Our veterans had a great ally in President Donald Trump. He placed their health and well-being ahead of the inherent squabbling and nonsensical system of health care. His changes prompted exceptional care for our men and women in veterans’ hospitals and clinics nationwide.
Today, we need to recommit ourselves to the American veteran. We cannot forget those who find themselves homeless and suffer from mental illness. We need to put them ahead of those who break the law and enter the country.
I grew up the daughter of very patriotic and loyal parents. Oh, I know, pushing 80 puts me in the “little old lady” genre, but my generation had a good grasp on history and the importance of our military. We learned military history in elementary school and both our music and art assignments reflected it. Poppy Posters were a big event or us, as were the words of the military hymns. We learned them all. That respect has held over into my senior years.
To this day, I stop to thank a veteran for his or her service when I spot a ball cap or a jacket with a service insignia — or, in the case of the U.S. Navy — the name of the actual ship. Some caps list the conflict. You see ball caps emblazoned “Vietnam Veteran” and “Korean Veteran.” Take a moment to say, “Thank you.” Without them, you would not have the everyday freedoms you take for granted.
Aside from the pageantry and beauty of military parades and ceremonies, there is the simple oath of allegiance that every service member takes.
I, __________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.
Note the reference to God. It is so important. We are, in history and in fact, a nation founded on God. Thank God, not only for the nation, but thank God for our men and women who serve our country. God bless our veterans. God bless America.
Pray that God will continue to guide those in positions of power to abandon self-interest in favor of love of God and country.
Please do this in remembrance of all those who gave so much to assure our freedoms.