We remember you

As Americans observe this day across the United States of America and in lands beyond, I wanted to share what I’ve heard from non-US citizens over the last few months about our country and our military. It’s been inspiring and I thought by sharing, you’d feel a little more blessed to have been born in, what is still, the greatest country in the world.

I was at dinner with someone from Germany recently and the discussion turned to politics. People who have never lived in the US are always curious about my opinion on how things really work. Do we really vote? Do we really care about what our President says? Do we really feel like we have a voice? And their opinion on our government is varied and most times educated. But there is one thing that seems consistent in all of these dinner and lunch and train ride conversations – their opinion on the American military.

This German expressed to me so clearly how much of the world feels about our military. About how thankful they are for us. About how the American military can be counted on when no one else can. When other governments don’t have the will to bring in forces when the situation requires. When other governments don’t have the ability to bring in forces when the situation requires. When other governments simply can’t afford to bring their troops into these situations, the world does count on the Americans to do what is necessary.

And they are appreciative. There is so much gratitude in these small, simple conversations. People can quote facts and figures about our military spending that I’ve even had to look up. They remind me that when I pay my taxes every April 15th, what a large (and just) portion goes to the US military budgets. Much of the rest of the world recognizes this and much of the rest of the world is thankful.

They believe in the US, even when sometimes, at home, we don’t. How ironic was it for this German to be telling me how the greatness of the American military. And it’s not just size and strength, but fortitude and trust. Most do, in fact, trust us to do the right thing.

So, while we may bicker at home about how long and how far and how much and at what cost, history and the recounting of history shows, that in most cases we have done good in the face of harm.

No matter what you believe about our current President, if you missed his Counter Terriorism address last week, I urge you to watch it. He discusses the daily security challenges of our nation and the role our military will continue to play to keep us all safe.

If I had heard these expressions of gratitude from one person, or during one discussion since I have been living out of the US, I might have dismissed them, but they are not in isolation. These genuine acknowledgments for the sacrifices that our military, their families and Americans all over the world make and do not go unnoticed.

So, while we remember those that gave some and some that gave all, recognize our country and we as Americans,  are unique, admired and respected.

God Bless Americans.