"I DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR, (OR AFFIRM) THAT I WILL SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AGAINST ALL ENEMIES, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC; THAT I WILL BEAR TRUE FAITH AND ALLEGIANCE TO THE SAME; AND THAT I WILL OBEY THE ORDERS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE ORDERS OF THE OFFICERS APPOINTED OVER ME, ACCORDING TO REGULATIONS AND THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE. SO HELP ME GOD."
Every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, and Coast Guardsman takes the above oath upon entrance into the Armed Forces. These words set them apart from the rest of their fellow citizens, for they are the defenders of what made this country great. They stand ready to defend and protect the ideals and sentiments declared in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.
Today, Veterans Day, we honor the men and woman who have taken this oath, and thank them for their service to our country.
A Veteran is an individual who loves a country more than life itself and is willing to give up that life defending it. Why would they do such a thing you might wonder, three words deep within their soul - Freedom, Independence, and Liberty.
“Freedom” is the opportunity given for the exercise of one's rights, powers, and desires.
“Independence” no restrictions of movement, thought or discovery.
“Liberty” is the exercise of both freedom and independence in one’s daily life.
Today, I thank those who have “chosen” to take the above oath to put on the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Your selfless sacrifice, dedication, and love of country, freedom, independence, and liberty set you apart from all others.
May God Bless every one who has answered that call to protect and defend the United States of America. The yearning to defend that is deep within your soul makes me proud to be an American and I for one, stand behind you in your mission.
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