Jimmy Graham Veterans Day Talk at Ascent Classical Academy

It is important to me that my children know the difference between Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day.
As we all enjoy the comfort and luxury of our current freedom, we can never forget or cease in acknowledging, that this freedom has always come with a cost.
To secure any free nation, an armed and formidable military is necessary.
Within that military:
● Hard assignments must be expertly executed by all.
● Dangerous assignments must be carried out by most,
● and Fatal assignments are regularly suffered by some.
Those who have boldly stood to shoulder this very necessary load…we refer to as “Veterans”.
Veterans Day is the day that we honor ALL who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Veterans Day is observed today, November 11th-always on the 11th day of the 11th month.
In our history as a nation, we have lost many good servicemen and servicewomen. I, and likely some of you, have personally lost good friends and possibly family. Their day of recognition has been PROMOTED from the HONOR of Veterans Day, to the SANCTITY of Memorial Day.
Memorial Day is the day that we honor those who died while in military service.
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May.
It’s easy to say that “freedom isn’t free”, but it is difficult to comprehend the many lives that were risked and lost to declare this a free nation, and then to defend it.
Independence Day is not military affiliated. It is celebrated to recognize that on July 4th, 1776 the thirteen colonies declared independence as the United States of America.
Independence Day is celebrated on the 4th of July, every year.
Celebrate these days! It’s OK!
Enjoy your days off, your BBQ, and your vacations (that’s what veterans and our nation’s fallen heroes have always wanted), but remember, recognize and educate your children to honor those-who not only paid for your celebration-but forfeited theirs.
Additionally, please allow me to present THIS veteran’s perspective that, in my experience, may be useful to some…
It is proper to thank veterans on Veterans Day.
Also, please allow me to present an explanation of that uncomfortable look you may have witnessed, after thanking a veteran.
What you say “Thank you for your service”, what many veterans commonly hear is:
● I don’t deserve your thanks.
● I didn’t do enough.
● You should probably thank someone that did more than me.
My take on this…
● That is a lie from the enemy, that cannot be believed or repeated.
● Sometimes-for some, not all-it takes a long time to conquer that lie. Please show them grace. They’ve earned it…
● You said nothing wrong…what you said is honoring, and we need more honor in this world-so please keep saying it!
A message to Vets:
In that sometimes-uncomfortable moment…simply say “you’re welcome”.
Your commitment, of any amount or any duration of time, is worthy of thanks.
Every one of you remembers the essence of the oath of enlistment that we all took:
“I, __(state your name)___, do solemnly swear 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."
When we separated from military service we were not relieved of our duties as many incorrectly assume…we were actually PROMOTED to veteran/citizen, to sovereign, to a joint-kingship of this nation. That kingship is exercised when we vote.
The common threats we now face as citizens are less foreign-and more domestic. Yet unlike our role in our military tenure, it is now our duty to Monitor, to Contribute, and even to Challenge the leadership of the nation that we CONTINUE to shape and defend.
The Strength, Tenacity, and Excellence that was once drilled into us, is desperately needed today.
Please join me in considering a return to service of sorts. Prayerfully consider where the union of your experience, your calling, and your gifts could add value to your community, to this school, to this county, and to this nation. If you were a spectator, you never would’ve enlisted.
The battle continues. Retake your place of honor.
To the Students, Staff, and faculty of this school:
Thank you for partnering with Rachel and I, (along with all of these amazing families) in shaping these young world changers.
I receive your “Happy Veterans Day” message. …YOU’RE WELCOME
It was my honor to serve this nation. It IS my honor to continue to serve. So, thank you for the opportunity to speak today.
If you truly want to thank a vet. Do something every day, large or small, to strengthen, not weaken this nation that we so love.
Let’s model a better future for these children. They’re worth it.
[EDITED TO FIT TEXT LIMIT]