My father was an officer in the U.S. Army, so, growing up, I always had an ingrained respect for the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who have volunteered to give up time, security, comfort and personal freedoms to protect that of their fellow countrymen. I think that most Americans share this respect and reverence, but after one war that many Americans opposed and another that seems to be dragging on, it is my sense that many of my peers have lost some respect for how important our men and women in uniform are. Growing up in a nation at war, we have become accustomed to an active military and so the great sacrifices of many go unseen, passed over as a ten second clip on the news.
Of course, a lot of people don't agree with the wars that we are fighting. Nations use their militaries to further their interests, and the United States is no exception. In fact, looking back to the devastating wars against Native Americans, to expansionist conflicts in the Philippines and in Latin America and to our no-holds-barred anti-communist stance during the Cold War, it is easy to come to the conclusion that the United States military is a force of global, cultural and ideological assertion. Our country has used its military in liberating and defensive roles as well, but this is not the place for argument over the role of our military in the world. Veterans Day is about our servicemen and women.
The fact is that our military is a tool of our government — whether you see it as a sword or a shield — and not an independent entity. Because of this, those who serve give away that one thing which is valued so much in America: the ability to make their own choices and determine their own futures. They serve where and how they are ordered to so, and they do it to the best of their ability, no matter how they personally feel. This selfless sacrifice gives us security in uncertain times.
My reasons for joining the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) are like those of most servicemen and women: I wanted to serve my country, to be part of something bigger than myself and to do something that most other people wouldn't, so that they wouldn't have to. These reasons can seem like lines from a recruitment poster, but that is because they are so universal and timeless, simple yet strong. They are what compel our fellow countrymen to military service and are as noble as any others in a culture of entitlement and self-advancement.
Tomorrow, Nov. 11, take a minute to think about the men and women who give up a part of themselves to defend their land and to become a willing implement of our government. Be grateful for their spirit of selfless and willing sacrifice, courage, honor and tenacity, for they are the ones who stand ready to answer the call, keeping us strong and secure in a volatile and shifting world.
The ROTC cadets and midshipmen at Tufts would appreciate it if you would join us in honoring the veterans of our nation by attending the Veterans Day ceremony, sponsored by Tufts ROTC Joint Operations and the Advocates for Tufts ROTC, at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow on the Memorial Steps. There will be a brief flag passing ceremony followed by a speaker and refreshments in the Coolidge Room in Ballou Hall. We look forward to seeing you there.
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Edward Limmer is a freshman who has not yet declared a major. He is a member of the Tufts' Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps.
