Freedom is That Important

It is neither Veteran’s Day nor Memorial Day, but a brief encounter this week with a Vietnam Veteran just has to be shared.

Anytime I can identify a veteran, I try to say “Thank you for your service.”  Their reactions are varied - usually it’s an almost embarrassed, “Thank You” or “You’re Welcome”.  This week I saw a gentleman wearing a Vietnam Veteran’s hat and when I thanked him, he told me it was his pleasure. 

“I’d do it again if I had the chance,” he said.  Then he added, “Freedom is that important.”

Wow, that little phrase kind of stopped me in my tracks.  A couple of days later my 8 year old asked about the current ‘take a knee’ movement and I had the opportunity to explain to him that we treat our flag with great respect because of the American blood that’s been shed to keep it flying.  The Iwo Jima memorial is such a great object for that lesson.

Tennessee is known as the Volunteer State.  While many of our veterans waited to be asked to serve, they did so with eager valor. Other Tennesseans are in uniform voluntarily today; ready to face down America’s enemies.  Everyone who has served in any capacity deserves honor and respect from all of America.  I will continue to voice my thanks every chance I get and I invite you to do the same.