By Father Bryan Carney
I wish to express my deep appreciation to all who have served this country. You are not just a group but a unique collective bound by shared experiences and an unparalleled spirit of service and sacrifice.
You epitomize patriotism, a beacon of selflessness and unwavering commitment. I pause to remember those who sacrificed for our country, giving their lives so others could enjoy the iconic American lifestyle.
On this Thanksgiving Day, their duty, honor, and sacrifice are not just remembered; they are deeply etched in our hearts. A constant reminder of the immeasurable price of freedom, a price others pay. Our solemn duty, our unwavering responsibility, is to honor their memory and sacrifice.
Never forget the soil of numerous other freedom-experiencing foreign lands has the blood of American service members mingled in their terracotta. Veterans stepped up when others hesitated.
For the record, I understand and agree that we must always have a well-trained, modern, equipped, and supported military that is the finest in the world. I proudly served in the USAF’s Strategic Air Command (SAC) and was assigned to the 461st B-52 Bombardment Wing during the Vietnam War. Our motto was “Peace Through Strength.” It still applies. It reminds us that no enemy will dare challenge you when you’re the best and strongest.
However, they will challenge you when you are perceived to be weak. Because weakness attracts enemies, you will ultimately be called on and required to respond to prove your ability to defend yourself. This is not my opinion. It is history, and we are experiencing it in real-time.
Therefore, we should have the best and most decisive military, which prevents war, discourages our enemies, and, ironically, does not encourage war. Meanwhile, until we evolve as a species, we will need veterans to defend this country. Thankfully, we continue to produce them. Likewise, we must continue supporting our veterans, who have helped shape our nation’s history and future.
During this Advent season, please remember these service members are there for us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. So, while we are comfortable in our homes and communities, they are separated from their loved ones. It’s called duty, honor,
and service.
It would be easier for them to achieve their missions if they believed society recognized or cared for them. Either way,
they will silently and faithfully perform their duty with honor through their service to freedom. May God love you, and may God bless America.
Father Bryan Carney is a hospital chaplain in the Diocese of Brooklyn, a U.S. Air Force veteran, and a lieutenant colonel chaplain for the Veteran Corps of Artillery State of New York 9th Field Artillery Regiment.
