California Conservative

As fall approaches each year, I watch in anticipation of the changing seasons and celebrations. I am reminded of how thankful I am for the abundance we have in the State of California and this great Nation. Most Americans and Californians know, appreciate and realize the sacrifices that California’s Veterans have endured for our blessings of Liberty.

Veterans throughout the history of California have always answered that call. They have answered it because they believe in something other than themselves. They believe that Freedom and Liberty are worth fighting for, and dying for if need be. And that beacon of light and hope endure today.

Times have changed thought-out the years. Modern Technology has eased the way in which California conducts business and the way our lives have been enriched by the blessings of a free and prosperous nation. In generations past, those men who fought to form a more perfect union, believed in these ideals of a free man and prosperous nation. Those Americans fighting in the trenches of France believed with a fervent heart that Freedom belongs to each man and tongue as well. Those in the Ardennes and on Guadalcanal knew that nothing is more important than preserving Liberty and defeating oppression. And those who fought in Korea, Vietnam and Dessert storm, realize the threats that existed yesterday, will be prevalent tomorrow as well. And all understand that nothing is more precious than preserving Freedom today and ensuring the hope of Liberty for tomorrow.

California’s Veterans have come from all walks of life and backgrounds. When they answered the call to service; some were immigrants, some were farmers, and many were just your ordinary boys, who by the events set before them, were turned into extraordinary men. They came from Humboldt to Hesperia and Barstow to Santa Barbara. Our state and our Nation is the better because of them.

In today’s day and age, it is increasingly rare to find volunteers who are willing to temporary give up comforts or careers, for a diet of “Beans and bullets.” I am reminded of greatness by political leaders and those who put aside those comforts to serve. And by doing so, they became heroes.

Back then they weren’t called Politicians, they were called Servants and for good reason. Presidents Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, George H. Bush, Bob Dole and California’s Ronald Reagan, showed the light of Liberty and the laurels of service. And we won’t forget that for over twenty two years, Orange County State Assemblyman Chuck Devore has served proudly and quietly, for our Nation in the California National Guard. Thank you Major Devore!

Many have asked me lately “How can I honor those who have served?” And the answer is simple. On Veterans Day and on Thanksgiving; you can say thanks by taking a minute to call a Veteran whom you know, and just say “thanks.” You could volunteer to place a few Flags on a Veterans grave. You could take a few moments to visit a Veteran in one of our many Veterans hospitals across the state of California. And In doing so, you’ll bring tears to their eyes and joy to their heart.

And the most important thing we can do before we shop for the latest sale item in the mall, is to place that grand old Flag on our front porch as we say a prayer for our Veterans. The Flag that conveys the dreams, Ideals and hopes of those who have died and those still preserving Freedom and the blessings of Liberty.

So on this day of remembrance and thanksgiving, I am thankful for those sacrifices by my grandfather in Normandy whom I have never met. I am reminded of freedom, by a German Jewish immigrant named “Dorothy,” with serial numbers engraved on her arm and with a beautiful smile I shall never forget. I am thankful for the power of freedom to every heart and every tongue, to instill hope not just for Americans, but to the world. And may we all point to Liberty’s Light as she shines upon the path of those who yearn for Freedom and for those who reach for her.

Shawn Black is a Military Veteran with the 82nd Airborne Division and Former Agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He is a Republican speaker, supporter and consultant. He recently returned from Service in Iraq and is founder of www.projectprayerflag.org.

This entry was posted on Friday, November 11th, 2005 at 9:48 am and is filed under History, Military, Op-Ed, Patriotism. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.