Remembering

Today is a day to remember not just who each of us is, but who we are together: one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all. Combat is not for everyone, but the willingness to fight against a common enemy is what creates strong unity between divergent people and assures that the democratic principles that define this country survive whatever is thrown at them by enemies at home and abroad. The tribute to the nation's military services was impressive last night, broadcast from the Capitol Mall in Washington, DC, because honor and respect were given to the military family, from the most-decorated general to the private's grieving widow.

The observance set a somber tone for a somber occasion: remembering our fallen warriors, as well as those who bear the scars of battle for a lifetime and the grieving families who must go on after burying their loved ones. Last night's event was truly a celebration of service to one's country conducted with dignity and respect through vignettes based on the real lives of service personnel and their families.

The courage of a black soldier, Charlie, who gave his life that others could live during a fierce battle in Korea, was a chilling reality check as, on the same day as this tribute, South Korea is once again preparing to face down its arch enemy, North Korea, in a continuation of a battle fought half a century ago. Survivors of that combat were seated in the front row, as well as Charlie's family, tears coursing down their faces as they relived those hours of their lives that changed them forever. Their legacy is a challenge to all Americans to live the commitment of a soldier who put the safety of others before himself because they were wounded and needed someone to stand up for them as they lay injured at his feet.

A recent war widow reached out via the internet for someone to hear her pain, to share her grief, to know that she loved her young soldier well, even though they shared their lives not for decades, but until death did them part far too soon on a middle-East field of battle. An older widow from a long-ago war responded, sharing her experience from the era of the VietNam war. Together, the survivors heal, but they never forget the moment they learn the real, personal price for peace, as well as liberty and justice for all mankind, at home and on foreign soil.

Wounded warriors participated in the event, their scars of service visible. Military music marched through the clear night air. Top-tier entertainers performed songs that capture the emotional depth that is seldom seen on the well-trained faces of the fierce warriors who do battle so others may live free. And no one protested when a special song was sung, The Lord's Prayer, the words to which all soldiers, living and dead, know by heart.

This is what our country is when we are at our best: one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all -- and men and women who are strong enough to fight to ensure that not just this generation lives in peace in our country, but that the world lives in peace. Few are called to service, but those who serve do so proudly, and so we honor them today from sea to shining sea. God Bless America and those who honor her in service and in the strength of their determination to fight so others may be free.