Earlier this week America celebrated Memorial Day, our most venerated federal holiday. Those who have served are remembered and honored, especially those who have made–and continue to make–the ultimate sacrifice. It’s a debt of gratitude that can never truly be repaid–but a legacy of heroic service is acknowledged and immortalized.
Part of the annual tribute is the memorialization of special rhetoric. We are reminded how important it is to defend freedom and how appropriate it is to honor those who did the defending.
But let’s also remember this: It’s critically important that we not defend everything that’s done in the name of “defending freedom.” Partisan parsing and code-word patriotism are not elements of heroism. They are self-serving political-speak. Citizen awareness and vigilance are critical if ideals are to remain in context–and viable.
Put it this way. There’s Doolittle’s Raiders–and there’s “Mission Accomplished.” Our democracy and the freedoms we cherish depend on recognizing–and remembering–the difference.