In the Declaration of Independence, our Forefathers mutually pledged to each other their lives, their fortunes, and something called their sacred honor.
In this current culture, you may not find a lot of people who’ve determined something for which they’d lay down their lives. People calculate and invest to create their fortunes — there’s not much calculation involving pledging their fortunes to someone else. And, it seems there is little sacred about the honor of many of our countrymen. Honor is dismissed so easily these days.
Truth has not been a casualty of our many cultural conflicts, as if it is something that has been taken away from us. Truth has been willingly given away by so many who have no respect for it or rely on others tell them what truth is for them. Truth, the foundation of honor, is routinely redefined time and again in our culture to be whatever is advantageous for any given circumstance or moment. Is it any wonder why honor is no longer sacred?
Our courageous men and women who serve in our Armed Forces know well what truth is. Truth to them is their buddy who, while driving down a foreign road, died in their arms after their vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device. Truth to them is the loss of a limb, or a Dad and a husband, or being told that they can’t express their faith or moral values while in uniform—essentially discovering they’re a patriot without a country. They see and know absolute truth that can’t be changed or redefined.
They also know that martyrs aren’t made by giving up all they know to be true so that they may live longer and more comfortably. Rather, martyrs willingly give up everything they have—their very lives—so that truth may increase. This is the sacred honor of those who have given the last full measure of devotion for their country and their countrymen. We remember them this Veterans Day. Why would they do such a thing?
One of our Founding Fathers wrote that the truth needs no defense. It can stand on its own. Those who pledge their lives and fortunes and sacred honor know that truth can stand on its own. They willingly serve so that, given enough time, their countrymen might understand that absolute truth. For that end, all who serve give some; and for some who serve, they give all.
For those who have volunteered so much of your lives so that the people of the United States may have an equal opportunity to know the truth, I am most grateful. At this time of year as you pray for our country, pray that our countrymen—indeed, all of us—will rediscover what is sacred about honor. We know The Truth. May God help us hold our honor sacred. His Truth is marching on.