You don’t know me, but my name is Nico, and I am one of countless Americans who have been awakened to our duty as citizens of this great nation.
Up until about a year ago I never did anything that could be considered serving my country. I never put my plans on hold, left family and friends, sacrificed, or put my life on the line for a greater cause. No, I am just one of millions of Americans who have enjoyed the American Dream, lived a good life, and taken for granted all the wonderful blessings and liberties that we have in this great nation, and which are safeguarded for us, as they have been for generations of Americans, by a long line of selfless warriors, of which you and your fellow veterans are but the latest in that time honored tradition.
You men and women who have served this country, and who continue to serve this country, are the very backbone of our society – you are the deterrent that keeps us free – you are the tip of the sword that keeps our enemies at bay – you are America.
Today, there are things going on in our country which have caused many citizens to realize that our freedoms, our traditions and our culture, indeed our very way of life, are but fleeting treasures, which can evaporate before our very eyes when we forget that vigilance is the responsibility of every American.
We can no longer ignore the political ramifications, economic impacts, and foreign policy trials that are the consequences of elections based on immediate gratification, entitlements, and a lack of sacrifice. The American Patriots in every town are rediscovering that, who we are as Americans, what we stand for, and the founding principles of our nation, matter and are worth fighting for.
I have become actively engaged in what has become the Tea Party movement. I have finally found a small way to serve, to make my meager contribution to preserve this country for future generations. I have spoken at rallies, at group meetings, and have organized small groups of concerned citizens at dozens meetings in New Jersey, and have personally spoken to thousands of concerned citizens. Their concerns and their passion about restoring America to its greatness are real and this is what I want to share with you.
These people want a constitutionally responsible, small government. They want fiscal responsibility. They want a return to personal responsibility, free markets, and individual liberties. Besides these virtues, the single most significant thing that unites these people is their respect and love for this country’s veterans and those now serving in our military. They understand the sacrifice. They finally get it.
You all need to know that the vast majority of Americans think of you often, and they now pray for the safety of those serving today, and support the sacrifices of their families. The people I have come in contact with certainly feel that way, and their respect and gratitude towards our veterans is warm and heartfelt. I wanted you know that.
So what I am trying to say is Thank You, thank you all for all you have done, for all the good that you represent. I know that I speak for many, many Americans, and likewise for countless generations of people from every corner of the world, who owe their lives, their freedom, and their opportunity to those of you who sacrificed so much for a greater good.
We citizens now do solemnly swear to do our part, to fulfill our obligations as citizens, to safeguard our heritage, and to remain vigilant over those we place in power. We will treasure, nurture and sacrifice to preserve The Dream that you have gained for us, so that it may become the sacred inheritance that we bequeath to our children and our grandchildren.
To do that, we will teach our children and grandchildren why we honor you veterans. We will teach them our history, teach them of our sacrifices, and teach them of their obligations as citizens. We will tell them what happens when we are not vigilant caretakers of our democracy. We will make it clear to them that freedom is not free. Great words, but what do they mean?
We will show them pictures of the cemeteries throughout Europe and the Pacific filled with American graves. We will take them to National Cemeteries honoring our veterans – let them try to fathom the endless rows of graves. Take them to the Vietnam Memorial – let them touch the names engraved in stone. Walk them through the WWII Memorial and through the sacred fields of Gettysburg, where 147 years ago, 3 days of battle resulted in some 50,000 casualties. We will show them what those words mean, “Freedom isn’t free.” We will make it real; make it important, lest they ever forget.
God bless you all.
Nico Rago
Portions of this essay are taken from my Independence Day Address and also from a personal letter to a special young man now serving our country. – N.
Up until about a year ago I never did anything that could be considered serving my country. I never put my plans on hold, left family and friends, sacrificed, or put my life on the line for a greater cause. No, I am just one of millions of Americans who have enjoyed the American Dream, lived a good life, and taken for granted all the wonderful blessings and liberties that we have in this great nation, and which are safeguarded for us, as they have been for generations of Americans, by a long line of selfless warriors, of which you and your fellow veterans are but the latest in that time honored tradition.
You men and women who have served this country, and who continue to serve this country, are the very backbone of our society – you are the deterrent that keeps us free – you are the tip of the sword that keeps our enemies at bay – you are America.
Today, there are things going on in our country which have caused many citizens to realize that our freedoms, our traditions and our culture, indeed our very way of life, are but fleeting treasures, which can evaporate before our very eyes when we forget that vigilance is the responsibility of every American.
We can no longer ignore the political ramifications, economic impacts, and foreign policy trials that are the consequences of elections based on immediate gratification, entitlements, and a lack of sacrifice. The American Patriots in every town are rediscovering that, who we are as Americans, what we stand for, and the founding principles of our nation, matter and are worth fighting for.
I have become actively engaged in what has become the Tea Party movement. I have finally found a small way to serve, to make my meager contribution to preserve this country for future generations. I have spoken at rallies, at group meetings, and have organized small groups of concerned citizens at dozens meetings in New Jersey, and have personally spoken to thousands of concerned citizens. Their concerns and their passion about restoring America to its greatness are real and this is what I want to share with you.
These people want a constitutionally responsible, small government. They want fiscal responsibility. They want a return to personal responsibility, free markets, and individual liberties. Besides these virtues, the single most significant thing that unites these people is their respect and love for this country’s veterans and those now serving in our military. They understand the sacrifice. They finally get it.
You all need to know that the vast majority of Americans think of you often, and they now pray for the safety of those serving today, and support the sacrifices of their families. The people I have come in contact with certainly feel that way, and their respect and gratitude towards our veterans is warm and heartfelt. I wanted you know that.
So what I am trying to say is Thank You, thank you all for all you have done, for all the good that you represent. I know that I speak for many, many Americans, and likewise for countless generations of people from every corner of the world, who owe their lives, their freedom, and their opportunity to those of you who sacrificed so much for a greater good.
We citizens now do solemnly swear to do our part, to fulfill our obligations as citizens, to safeguard our heritage, and to remain vigilant over those we place in power. We will treasure, nurture and sacrifice to preserve The Dream that you have gained for us, so that it may become the sacred inheritance that we bequeath to our children and our grandchildren.
To do that, we will teach our children and grandchildren why we honor you veterans. We will teach them our history, teach them of our sacrifices, and teach them of their obligations as citizens. We will tell them what happens when we are not vigilant caretakers of our democracy. We will make it clear to them that freedom is not free. Great words, but what do they mean?
We will show them pictures of the cemeteries throughout Europe and the Pacific filled with American graves. We will take them to National Cemeteries honoring our veterans – let them try to fathom the endless rows of graves. Take them to the Vietnam Memorial – let them touch the names engraved in stone. Walk them through the WWII Memorial and through the sacred fields of Gettysburg, where 147 years ago, 3 days of battle resulted in some 50,000 casualties. We will show them what those words mean, “Freedom isn’t free.” We will make it real; make it important, lest they ever forget.
God bless you all.
Nico Rago
Portions of this essay are taken from my Independence Day Address and also from a personal letter to a special young man now serving our country. – N.
No comments:
Post a Comment