We have heard since we where children that
actions speak louder than words. When
our words over take our actions, which frequently happens with politicians, we
call this lip service.
As
we recognize and honor our veterans on Veteran’s Day, we know men and women whose
actions spoke louder than words with their dedication and commitment in service
to America. Some have made the ultimate sacrifice
and gave their lives willingly for their fellow Americans so that Freedom would
prevail.Last year in Benghazi, Libya, four brave Americans made that sacrifice for Freedom. As other brave and selfless Americans were ready to rush into harm’s way and come to their rescue, a stand down order from above was mysteriously given. In a rather long battle with no assistance, the Benghazi consulate was eventually over-run by Al Qaeda linked militants and four Americans were killed. President Obama swore then to bring the perpetrators to justice, yet they still roam free.
A few weeks ago I witnessed something
almost as horrific but not in some foreign land. In Washington D.C., not too far from Obama’s
home, veterans were barricaded from seeing open air monuments during the
government shutdown. Many of these veterans
had traveled long hours and spent a lot of money to visit the memorials and pay
their respect, perhaps for their last time.
Armed riot police in full gear in a show of force were purposefully
dispatched to keep those veterans
out. The veterans, at great personal risk , many elderly
and in wheelchairs, proceeded through the barricades.
If there was ever a more appropriate time
for a stand down order from the mysterious powers above, it was now! But, the order never came. The Commander and Chief could have picked up
a phone and said, “Let them in”, but, the order never came. The Commander and Chief who gave multiple
campaign speeches on the value of veterans was silent. This, my friends, is what we call lip
service.
Tell a veteran today that you value their
service and, more importantly, live a life of gratitude, appreciation, and
action.
Mario diGesu Truth or
Consequences NM November 6, 2013
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