Today we celebrate American veterans whose service continues to make possible the security of our nation. From our Independence and through many wars since, veterans have served, and preserved, our great country.

Honor, Courage, Commitment. In 1776 these values guided the creation of a new country and a new ideal. Today, we enjoy freedom and prosperity because of these ideals and because of the sacrifices of generations of Veterans who fought and died to protect them.

Over two centuries ago, the signers of the Declaration of Independence risked a death sentence had the war for Independence been lost. Our founding fathers, the men we honor today as patriots, risked their life, their liberty and their sacred honor to protect what they believed in.

John Adams wrote his wife, Abigail, “I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure it will cost us to maintain [the] Declaration. Yet through the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see the end is more than worth all the means.”

Abigail wrote back, “Posterity who are to reap the blessings will scarcely be able to conceive [of] the hardships and sufferings of their ancestors.”

George Washington, America’s first general, our first President and first Commander-In-Chief, as he led the first American veterans into the battle of Long Island in 1776, told his troops, “the fate of generations yet unborn depends upon what we do here today.”

Washington and his soldiers didn’t win that battle, but they fought hard and with honor and eventually, they won the war. Today’s veterans follow in the footsteps of Washington and other great men whose sacrifices, from 1776 until today, made the United States of America not only the most powerful country in the world but the most powerful country the world has ever known.

My military career was the most rewarding experience of my life. The first time I deployed to a foreign country, I knew why our forefathers were willing to risk their lives to protect the United States of America. The freedoms we take for granted here are rare and precious, worth fighting for and worth preserving for future generations.

In the military, I worked harder than any job I had every had before–or since. I learned to work for the greater good of the mission, no matter the sacrifices I might be called to make. I learned do without basic comforts for long periods of time. I learned that all men and women are equal. And I learned that no matter how big the obstacle, I could overcome it, if I believed in myself and my team. I live my life today ever mindful of how tough it can be to serve in our military.

My military service taught me to never take our country for granted. I would never want to raise a family in some of the places I’ve been. Every day life in some countries is filled with turmoil, fear, and distrust. Life is cheap, freedom is rare, death is commonplace.

As I travel the airports of the world and I see someone in uniform I wonder where they might be going. Do they have a family? Will they return safely?

Our veterans sacrifice not just to defeat immediate threats but to ensure the safety and freedom of our ideals for future generations. They make it possible to tell our children that we live in a great country. Because of their sacrifices, the United States of America will not merely survive, we will thrive and long serve as an example for the rest of the world of what is possible with honor, courage, and commitment.

Team Freedom was founded on these same values. We believe in service to country and to our fellow men and women. All of us on Team Freedom must never forget the sacrifices of our veterans who have made it possible for us to not only live in this great country but to prosper in its free enterprise system.

Let us today and every day reflect on our history and give thanks to the men and women who made it possible.

Thank you for your service,
Mark Smith, Veteran

Proud to be American!