Freedom Isn't Free!

            On Christmas night, 1776, George Washington engineered a surprise attack on Britain’s German allies, capturing 1000 Hessian troops.  The story of him and his troops crossing the icy Delaware that night gave hope to a new nation fighting for its life.  Regrettably, the celebration was short-lived.  Just a week later, the enlistments of most of his troops were ending, and it seemed unlikely that they would stay to continue the fight for freedom.  As he faced that prospect, Washington lined up his troops and offered this plea.

“My brave fellows, you have done all I asked you to do, and more than can be reasonably expected; but your country is at stake, your wives, your houses and all that you hold dear. You have worn yourselves out with fatigues and hardships, but we know not how to spare you. If you will consent to stay one month longer, you will render that service to the cause of liberty, and to your country, which you probably can never do under any other circumstances " (George Washington, December 31, 1776).

            About half the troops stayed, and though the war was far from over, their efforts on the battlefield ultimately led to the birth of a new nation—the United States of America.  Since that day, soldiers have continued to give all they have for their wives, their homes, and all that we hold dear.  They have fought on the battlefields of this continent and Europe.  They have stood strong in the jungles of Asia, and they have waged war on the great waterways of the Earth.  Today, they continue to face danger in the skies over the Middle East. 

            Why did Washington’s soldiers stay?  When the Axis powers threatened our allies and our freedom, why did young men volunteer to serve?  After 911, why did men like Pat Tillman leave their dream jobs to defend our lives and freedom?  I think the answer is that they looked beyond themselves to a better life for their families and friends.  Washington’s soldiers had no way of knowing that cold New Year’s Eve that their courage would ultimately lead to the creation of the greatest country in the world.  That wasn’t why they stayed.  They stayed to protect what they held dear, and soldiers have been doing the same thing for over two centuries.

            Yesterday was Veterans’ Day.  It was established at the end of World War I, to honor both those who have served and those who have died in the service to their country.  We owe each one of them a great debt.

            When we worship according to our convictions, we have them to thank.

            When we speak our minds openly on social media, we have them to thank.

            When we peacefully assemble to express our joy or our grievances, we have them to thank.

            The list could go on and on, and we have them to thank.

            Freedom is not free!  Thousands of men and women have paid the supreme price for ours.  I hope that we never take their sacrifice for granted.

            The next time you see a Veteran, thank him or her for their service.  That’s a small payment on the debt we owe.

John 15: 13