Yesterday I spoke at a church in my hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. As a veteran, I travel a lot on significant holidays — Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day, Veterans Day, the Marine Corps Birthday (a personal favorite), and the 4th of July (Independence Day) — to speak about this great nation. What was different about this past Sunday is that the pastor is a younger man.

You might think, Why is that a big deal? It’s been my experience over the past 10-15 years that younger pastors do not celebrate patriotic days, or even make mention of them. The service is like any other Sunday. I can see how some of my favorite days may not make sense, but the big ones — Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and the 4th of July — should at least be recognized.

I’m not a pastor; that’s not my gift. However, I’ve spent 47 years working with those bound by addictions, and the past seven years helping faith-based nonprofits to be more effective. It’s been sad to see how so many young people have no idea about the sacrifices made to allow them to have the freedoms they enjoy.

They know little about the Revolutionary War or the Civil War. In fact, they have little knowledge of America’s great history in general, just that America is evil and the cause of all the world’s problems, according to their leftist indoctrinators. This makes me wonder why people from all over the world risk their lives to try to get into this country.

Our Founding Fathers knew signing the Declaration of Independence was signing their death warrants. Yet they pledged “our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” This act of courage against a tyrannical king cost many of them everything.

Five were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Continental Army. Another two had sons captured. Nine of the 56 signers fought and died from wounds or hardships experienced during the Revolutionary War. That’s the short version of the cost they paid.

As a veteran, I don’t need anyone to come up to me and say, “Thank you for you service!” But when they do, I tell them they are worth it. When Ronald Reagan became president, there was a renewed sense of patriotism. It happened again after 9/11. Since Donald Trump became president again, recruitment numbers have shot up dramatically. Perhaps there are still young men and women who have been raised by patriotic parents who understand how great this country really is!

So, maybe you can understand how blessed I was to share with a young congregation about how America is a great nation and how its Constitution is worth the cost to protect them for future generations. To see the next generation love this country, respect the flag, and honor those who came home under it is a joy to me!

Since the Revolutionary War, over 1,100,000 veterans have paid the ultimate price to maintain our freedoms. As grateful as I am for all those who have served — and especially those who paid the ultimate price — I am more grateful for a Savior who 55 years ago had mercy on me, a critically wounded Marine. He spared my life so I could know Him. The ultimate freedom is to know the forgiveness of sins that only Jesus can give!

“So, if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” —John 8:36

Semper Fidelis
(Always Faithful)