YOU ARE HERE: Central Kentucky Home→Collections→Military Service

Democracy: A commodity more precious than peace

November 04, 2009|Russ Meyer

It is with grateful hearts that we commemorate those who have served our country through military service.

Our nation has seen times of peace, in which service meant preparation rather than battle. But our military families always must sacrifice and bear the knowledge that battle may be required.

President Woodrow Wilson said, "It is a fearful thing to lead this great peaceful people into war ... civilization itself seeming to be in the balance. But the right is more precious than peace and we shall fight for the things which we have always carried nearest to our hearts — for democracy."

Democracy is what sets our nation apart. It gives us the freedom to dream, achieve and live our lives in accordance with our faith and values, not the dictates of a few. It is the precious commodity we all must be willing to defend, both in words and deeds.

No one understands this more than those who have served in any branch of our armed forces. From the men and women who help turn the tide in World War II — that epic battle that pitted 100 million military from around the world against each other — to those whose days and nights are now spent on desert land trying to subdue insurgents.

The tools of war have changed. Our knowledge of what takes place on the battlefield, most surely, has changed with vivid images crossing our televisions 24/7.

But the decision to defend democracy and the price we must pay has not.

Many of our families and friends have served; many of them paid dearly to protect our freedom.

Thank you, fellow citizens, for preserving our freedom. Thank you for daily living with the burden that persists long after war ends. Thank you for understanding the value of that which we carry nearest to our hearts — democracy.

May God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.

|

|

|