The Veteran’s View: By Dennis Mitchell America 250... it’s finally here (July 4th, 2026), and it’s party time for all of us regardless of your color, creed orpoliticalperspective. Woohoo,you know you are looking forward to the fireworks, marching bands and, of course, the men and women in uniform. Did I mention all the food, fellowship and camaraderie shared during this celebration? Thisallstartedalongtime ago in a place far away (Great Britain). The fight for freedom is and has been an ongoing struggle fought by those who refused to except anything less. Memorial Day just passed a few weeks ago – for those who aren’t sure, that’swhenwehonorourwardead. The ones who paid the ultimate price for freedom, both here at home and abroad. It’s because so many have stepped up to protect those sacred liberties, the ones protected by a slip of paper known as “The Constitution” – that’s the one that starts with “We the people” and then goes on to layout our entire system of government. Thosemenandwomen who dedicated themselves to fight for us, the American people, and a way of life worth protecting. Back in 1776, those 56 courageous individuals who signed the Declaration of Independence knew the risk when they pledged their lives, their fortunes, andtheirsacredhonor. Thepricewas high – many died penniless and paid an even higher price in the loss of family members–alongwiththeirown. But, their selfless act secured our future and thelibertieswestillholdsacredtoday. It was paid for in blood, sweat, and tears to protect a way of life few in history have ever known. Some gave all, a price we can never repay – they gave up the rest of their days so that we can live out our days as free, rugged individuals, without the boot of a governmental agency or a king/queen in a faraway land dictating who we are and whatwecanbecome. InAmericayou can become anything you are willing to workandfightfor. Nothingisgranted to you because of your family heritage orstationinlife. “Letfreedomring”is more than a catchy phase, it’s a guiding principle of our nation and the baseline for a democratic form of government (notice I didn’t say “democracy” because we in America are not a democracy, we are a constitutional republic). Ben Franklin is famous for a comment he made after the meeting of the second constitutional congress when theygatheredinPhiladelphia. When asked, “What kind of government have wechosen?” Heanswered,“Wehave given you a Constitutional Republic, if youarestrongenoughtokeepit!” Weare not “ruled” by 51% of the vote – that’s a democracy. Weare,however,governed by our duly elected representatives and theyareresponsibletothepeople. When they no longer represent our interest or the interest of their constituents, then we the people have a responsibility to votethemout. Thepeacefultransition of power is another guiding principle ofourrepublic. Duringourtimeasa nation there has never been an uprising that has overthrown the governing body. Not even during the Civil War, where several states tried to secede from this nation, and start anew. It was “FREEDOM” that led Americaintothatconflict. Peopledidn’t just voice an opinion, they stepped into the arena of action, a place where being counted wasn’t enough – they needed to be counted on to fight for theircause. Eachsidebelievedintheir righteous cause, whether you were for States Rights or against slavery, a long andviciousbattleensued. TheSouth was devastated in those years, but both sides faced devastating consequences as brothers fought brothers and mothers lost their sons and husbands, often the onlysecuritytheyhadknown. Families were destroyed, fortunes were made and lost, but in the end, America became a stronger nation because of it. After the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln, in his infinite wisdom, welcomed those states and their people backintoournation. BoththeNorth and the South continued to function as 42 10-4 Magazine / July 2026 LET FREEDOM RING!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjA1MjUy