What American Veterans Know

Diversity rather than bigotry and racism enriches us. Even though it’s hard to see now: we are greater than these troubles and we shall overcome them. The label that matters most is “American”.

By Don McCaughey

I am an American veteran.

For a veteran, it’s easy to get mad. Every day you see or hear some nonsense that grates on your nerves like fingernails drawn across a chalkboard. Mostly, these stimuli are born in ignorance, entitlement, or prejudice, but the response is usually universal: a deep breath, a sigh – accompanied in some cases by a shake of the head – and then, back to the business at hand.

It is rare that American veterans speak out, especially female veterans. It is not in our ethos, but today is different. Today, I will share what I know – not what I believe – to be true.

I am an American veteran and I know that my country is exceptional. We are not exceptional by virtue of our label, but by our deeds. Americans are exceptional because we have sacrificed more lives and blood for the freedom of others than any other nation in history. We have conquered enemies and captured territory and, in most cases, all we have kept is the ground that we used to inter our dead.

I am an American veteran and I know that I am blessed because I live in the only nation that remembers its revolution with a sense of mythology and its civil war with a sense of romanticism. I know that this is not the case in other countries. I know that our leaders then displayed wisdom and restraint which allowed freedom to endure.

I am an American veteran and I know that the emblems of our uniforms are not symbols of what we accomplish as individuals, but of what we accomplish together. I know that our elan is based upon the deeds of the bravest people our nation has produced and I know that it is my solemn duty to attempt to live up to this legacy every day.

I am an American veteran and I know that our society is not perfect, but I have seen the world and I know that our citizens live lives that other people dream of living. I know this because in America, we are citizens of our government and not subjects to it. 

I am an American veteran and I know that it is sickening that a citizen was apparently abused by a police officer who knelt on him. I know that despite this disturbing example, the people who volunteer in law-enforcement and as first-responders are kindred spirits who serve so that others can live in safety and peace. I know that the bad conduct of one should concern and appall us, but that we should generalize based upon it.

I am an American veteran and I know that there is a difference between looters taking advantage of a terrible situation to pillage and a legitimate protest of injustice. I feel anger, sadness, and disappointment, but I know that I can trust our legal system to punish the guilty and our leaders to uphold the rule of law.

I am an American veteran and I know that unity is strength. I know that we are not a nation of bigots and racists – despite some deeply flawed portions of our history – and that diversity enriches us. I know this because in our military, the label that matters most is “American”.

I am an American veteran and I know that my countrymen are the most generous and kindhearted people on earth. I know that when others are in danger or need, we are the first to offer aid. I know that when we face our toughest challenges, Americans rise to meet it with innovation and hope.

I am an American veteran and I know that Americans are not children who require babysitting by an overbearing nanny state seeking to wield authoritarian power during a pandemic. I know that my fellow citizens can manage their own health and safety – and that the government should advise and assist them rather than randomly intruding upon the lives and livelihoods of citizens.

I am an American veteran and I know that having fewer people on welfare and dependent upon the largesse of the state is an improvement. I know that people who are empowered to work and provide for their families have more self-worth and a higher standard of living than those on the dole.

I am an American veteran and I know that totalitarian regimes are states that persist through fear and oppression. I know that their people live under the yoke of tyranny and I know that it is sickening to see pampered elites in our universities and media devolve into moral relativism to defend them.

I am an American veteran and I know that there are people in our society who seek to divide us – who thrive and prosper on strife – and who use fear, envy, religion, economics, politics, and bigotry to weaken our country. I know that these people will do and say anything to advance their agendas and increase their own power. Most of all, I know this because I have fought their counterparts in other parts of the world. 

I am an American veteran and I know that true leaders lead by example and that their overriding motivation is to serve others. I know that false leaders are entitled individuals who think that their position makes them superior to, rather than beholden to, those that they lead.

I am an American veteran and I know that the respect that I show to my leaders – both civilian and military – has nothing to do with who they are as individuals. I know that the respect is shown for the office and that, as Americans, once we stray from that principle, we imperil our republic.

I am an American veteran and I know that it is a national shame that 22 of my brothers and sisters commit suicide each month. I know that these are losses of national assets that can never be replaced. I know that this is an unacceptable situation that we must fix immediately.

I am an American veteran and I know that suicides and homelessness among my brothers and sisters are due to the difficulties that they face because of their service. I know those who have experienced war always hear the echoes of combat. I know that their only solace is found in fellowship and service, which are often hard for them to find back home.

I am an American veteran and I know what it is to see comrades maimed and killed. I know what service means and I know that serving is the greatest honor of my life. I know this because the honor lies in who I served with and what I served.

I am an American veteran and I know that I love my country. I know that not only as a veteran, but as a citizen of the United States: you should, too.