Beech Tree News Network

The Importance of Honoring Those Who Help Keep Us Free-  “In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot.” —Mark Twain

Every day we have choices.  Where to eat, where to shop, what to watch on television, where we go for our family vacation, and where we worship.  I sometimes wonder if we take the time to think about those simple freedoms, and why we have them.

We are approaching Veterans Day, which is the designated day our country takes time to recognize those – living and dead – who made the decision to be the front line against tyranny and oppression.  The roots of our freedoms go back to the settlement of our country as a colony of the British Empire, and the desire to break away from the monarch form of government in Europe to form a government “…for the people, by the people.”

The fight to establish a country based on free will was only the beginning.  On shores far away and within our own borders, the work to keep the dream of freedom going has unfortunately meant going to war.  It is a task that is not meant for everyone; for those who choose to answer the call it is a decision steeped in love of country, and love of their fellow man and woman.

Kentucky has a long held tradition of its men and women stepping up in war and peace time, in places like Iwo Jima, Omaha Beach, South Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan to protect our freedoms and battle oppression of others across the world.  We know of the bravery in action of a few, but for many of our veterans their sacrifices aren’t written in any history books.  There have been examples when we chose to express scorn instead of gratitude to our veterans returning from wars across the globe.

According to 2010 data from the Veterans Administration, nearly 340,000 military veterans live in Kentucky.  How many times have we encountered a friend or family member who served in our armed forces and failed to say a word of thanks?  While Veterans Day is that designated time to recognize our vets, I believe we should celebrate their bravery and service every day.  It’s their decision to serve and protect that keeps our way a life a beacon of freedom for others around the world.

I welcome your comments and concerns on any issues throughout the year impacting our Commonwealth.  I can be reached through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181, or you can contact me via e-mail at [email protected]. You can keep track of committee meetings and potential legislation through the Kentucky Legislature Home Page at www.lrc.ky.gov.