‘Merica

I love studying military history.  I have a master’s degree in it, so I guess it’s good that I do.  For many years now I have devoted a lot of time to studying the Civil War, but lately have returned to the 1700s and our nation’s initial fight for freedom.  How we came through the American Revolution the victors is a fascinating story and, honestly, quite mind-boggling on many levels.  Many of my past blogs have covered this timeframe and the people.  There is George Washington, the commander of the Continental Army.  There is also Alexander Hamilton, Nathaniel Greene, Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, Ethan Allen, and many more.  These men all served a fledgling nation at great cost to, not only their own lives, but the lives of their friends and families.

Consider the years since the formation of our country, and the elements are the same.  Most names are not as recognizable as George Washington, but the sacrifices are no less significant.  Elizabeth Jacobson, Daniel Carlson, Brittany Gordon, and hundreds of thousands of others…deployed to all regions of the world…Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Guadalcanal, Midway, Iraq, Afghanistan, Omaha Beach, Bastogne, Bosnia, and countless more.  Most of their names are known only by friends and family, yet each one of them represents something beyond measure and, quite frankly, beyond comprehension…they are part of a brotherhood/sisterhood that is like no other.

I remember playing my first round of golf after seeing the movie Bat 21, and thinking, there is no way a normal human being could do what Lieutenant Colonel Iceal Hambleton did in the aftermath of getting shot down behind North Vietnamese lines.  Evading the North Vietnamese for several days, a plan was eventually hatched whereby others he was in radio contact with would guide him to safety, in a rather unique way.  They would direct his movements as if he was walking his favorite golf courses.  For instance, the observer would tell Hambleton to walk the first hole at Tucson National.  Hambleton knew the details because he played there many times.  It was a 408-yard par 4 that ran southeast.  So, they wanted Hambleton to walk 408 yards southeast.  Then the observer would tell him the next hole to “play”.  The plan worked.  Rescuers eventually reached Hambleton and got him aboard an evacuation helicopter and back to U.S. forces.  Who knew that playing golf could save your life?

For the last 248 years, individuals have served in the military for various reasons.  And no matter that reason, they should be celebrated.  Today, less than one percent of the population of the United States serves in the military.  I talk to a lot of Veterans every week.  When I hear someone who served say, “I only served one term”, or “one enlistment”, I am quick to remind them that there is no “only” when it comes to service.  In other words, there is honor in any amount of service to our nation.  They served, and we should be thankful for that.  My dad taught me that.  He served in the Navy four years.  And because of that, he is a patriot of a special breed.  For as long as I can remember, my dad (who is 90 years old), has raised the American flag up the flagpole every morning, and has taken it down every evening.  This action is simply an outward expression of what is on the inside.  He loves, as is often joked about how George W. Bush said it, ‘Merica.  And because of that love, I see him as a patriot.

Let me close with a story of another patriot of long ago.  Nathan Hale was recruited by General Washington to become part of his spy ring.  Washington needed individuals to gather intelligence on British operations in New York City, and Hale volunteered.  In fact, he was the only one who volunteered.  So, into the city he went, under the guise of a teacher looking for work.  But it was not long before the British found out who he was and why he was there.  They captured him, and it did not look too good for the young patriot.  Death by hanging was the punishment for spying…and that is exactly what the British did to him.  In the minutes leading up to the hanging, Nathan was given a chance to speak.  We have all heard of the supposed words he uttered, “I only regret, that I have but one life to lose for my country.”  There is some disagreement about the exact words he used, but every written source of the day, has him saying words to the same effect, so there is really no doubt that he did indeed say that phrase, or something similar.  My personal favorite comes from a 1777 issue of the Essex Journal, in which Hale is reported as saying at the gallows, that the British were shedding the blood of an innocent person, and that if he had ten thousand lives, he would gladly lay them all down in defense of his country.

Patriots who have served our country come in all shapes and sizes.  They are a private citizen, turned general, turned president.  They are a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, who served in Iraq or Afghanistan.  They are a guy who “walked” a golf course to evade the enemy and find his way back to freedom.  They are a young spy who was caught and hanged for his crimes, and who would willingly give his life 10,000 times.  They are someone who served four years, and someone who served thirty years.  They are those who did not serve, but now serve Veterans in their greatest hour of need.  Yes indeed, patriots come in all shapes and sizes.

O beautiful for heroes proved; In liberating strife                                               Who more than self their country loved; And Mercy more than life! 

(3rd verse to “America the Beautiful”)