“I will not fail those with whom I serve.”
Soldier saluting coffins on a plane
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It’s Veterans Day.
Take a moment to thank a veteran for all they’ve done for you and your family.
If you get a chance, stop by Medal of Honor.com and take the time to read some of the stories of ordinary men who performed extraordinary acts of bravery in service to their fellow soldiers and their country.
While you’re at it, take a few minutes to reflect on all the veterans who have served. Men and women who were scared out of their minds as they entered a thatched hut in Vietnam, a farmhouse in France or a bombed-out building in Iraq … but went in anyway.
Each and every one of these people took a stand, conquered their fears and did what they thought was right for themselves, their country and their families.
In doing so, they gave the rest of us a gift of the most valuable assets they had - their time, their individual talents and their youth. They did it to protect the valuable birthright of freedom that makes so much of what is good about our lives possible.
Unfailingly, they’ve left America and the world better off - both through victory and through a better understanding of the costs involved in protecting the most noble country ever conceived and the ideals upon which it was founded.
By nearly every measurable standard, human existence has improved whenever and wherever freedom has flourished.
Every veteran and every member of their family owns a piece of that success. They’ve paid for it with blood, birthdays missed and countless tear-filled hours.
This is their day. Honor them.
They’ve earned it.
The Special Forces Creed
I am an American Special Forces Soldier. A Professional!
I will do all that my nation requires of me. I am a volunteer, knowing well the hazards of my profession.
I serve with the memory of those who have gone before me: Roger’s Rangers, Francis Marino, Mosby’s Rangers, the First Special Service Forces, the Jedbrughs, Detachment 101, and the Special Forces soldiers of the Vietnam War, who earned 17 Medals of Honor, and 90 Distinguished Service Crosses. I pledge to uphold the honor and integrity of all I am - in all I do.
I am a professional soldier. I will teach and fight wherever my nation requires, to liberate the oppressed. I will strive always, to excel in every art and artifice of war.
I know that I will be called upon to perform tasks in isolation, far from familiar faces and voices, with the help and guidance of my God I will conquer my fears and succeed.
I will keep my mind and body clean, alert and strong, for this is my debt to those who depend on me.
I will not fail those with whom I serve. I will not bring shame upon myself or the forces.
I will maintain myself, my arms, and my equipment in an immaculate state as befits a Special Forces soldier. My goal is to succeed in any mission and to live to succeed again.
I am a member of my nation’s chosen soldiery. God grant that I may not be found wanting, that I will not fail this sacred trust.
November 12th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
Wonderful post… we should remember those who served and those who died for us. I hope the government will step up and take care of the veterans.. not just one day but everyday.
November 13th, 2007 at 10:01 am
Thanks, Susie.
I certainly share your sentiments about the country taking care of the veterans.