Six Boy Scouts were getting their Eagle – the highest rank for the Boy Scouts of America. It was a long day. At the close of each ceremony, two elderly gentlemen decked out in their dark blue, gold braid studded Veterans of Foreign Wars uniforms came forward to address each Eagle and his family.
“On behalf of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, we would like to congratulate you on your Eagle. We are proud of you, and know we are leaving the country in good hands. Goodness knows we need it.”
Those words from two men who put their lives on the line in service not only for Americans but also freedom-loving people around the world put into perspective what it takes to secure and protect the foundations of freedom.
The VFW men represent men and women in the past, present and future who paved the way at the risk of their lives for a dream of a world where everyone has the God-given right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, a dream that many around the world also long for.
Their confidence mixed with a quiet plea signifies that without men and women who are committed to this dream, not only in the military but in the building of nations, the foundations of freedom cannot stand.
We left, knowing that there was a call to each of us, not just the Eagles of the day, to be daily heroes who live in service to humanity, making daily life choices that can build and share the foundations of freedom and fundamental God-given human rights for the coming generations.
What a calling and purpose that connects to God’s larger dream for each of our families – to live in service to humanity and be the building blocks of a world of peace.