We owe the American Soldier a sincere debt of gratitude. And honoring them is something that every American should do on a regular basis. If you see an American Soldier at a gas station, in a restaurant, or in any other area of your life, let him/her know how much you appreciate their sacrifice.

The American Soldier

Consider that the average enlistment age of an American Veteran is 21 years. And at that tender age, they are willing to die for your freedom and mine. In fact, when they enlist they are told to seriously consider the oath they are about to take. The Military Enlistment Oath is as follows:

I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.

There are currently, 48,000 homeless veterans – many over the age of 55 that took that oath. (Source: “U.S. Veterans Get Their Home”)

And there are 1.46 million active military personnel that took that oath.(Source: “InsideGov.com)

That’s 7.3% of all living Americans that have taken the Enlistment Oath.

The American Soldier is truly a rare and honored breed of men and women who were willing to give their life to preserve our freedoms – our quality of life.

There would not be an election to discuss if it were not for the American Soldier.

There would not be the right to demonstrate opposition to the election results were it not for the American Soldier.

There would not be the right to express and enjoy one’s ethnicity, cultural practices, or faith were it not for the American Soldier.

The liberties you and I enjoy every day –would not be ours to partake of were it not for the American Soldier.

Without the sheer grit and determination of the American Soldier, Operation Overlord would have failed and D-day would have gone down as the greatest defeat in U.S. history. And Rommel, armed with his Communist Manifesto may have been able to force an allied surrender, which would have led to a very different America.

The American Soldier has quietly and valiantly defended our life, liberty and opportunity to pursue our definition of happiness. We owe them a great debt.

Let us never forget the bravery and sacrifice of every American Soldier living or dead who stood in harm’s way on our behalf…

• Twice in Europe
• In Korea
• In Vietnam
• Twice in Iraq
• And in our own country

So today, and every day, when you see an American Soldier, look them in the eye, shake their hand, and thank them. Thank them for your opportunity to grow up in a free America. Thank them for their commitment. Thank them their sacrifice. And thank them for their love of country.