COMMENTARY: Remembering the America we serve

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Michael Horowitz
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Command Post
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Each of us has our own reasons for serving. At some point in our lives, we made the conscious decision to commit ourselves to the defense of our nation. 

Do you remember why you made that decision?

How often do we ever think about what we're actually defending? We're as patriotic as the next service member, but this should run deeper than baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet.

These symbols serve only as shorthand for the concept of America. Is this what you committed your life to defend? Of course not.

Did you commit your life to defend the concept that affords us the opportunity to enjoy them? Yes, we all did. Now we have a responsibility to ensure that this concept of America continues.

How do we ensure this concept continues? I believe it starts by knowing how America as we know it came to be, how we reached this point, so we can better shape the future.

If you're like me, you don't care much for opening up a dusty old history book. And if I'm honest, the only reason I ever did was as a way to fill time while waiting for my late household goods delivery in Korea. Don't wait for your "bored-in-Korea" moment. Expand your knowledge now.

While you're in England, use the opportunity to find out why there's a statue of an American President Lincoln in Parliament Square. Then, walk through the only surviving home of another famous American, Benjamin Franklin, just half a mile from there.

The year is almost over, which means it's time for New Year's resolutions. Make this your year of education, expand your knowledge, and learn more about who we are and why we serve.

America is not only a nation; it's an idea. Perhaps even an ideal. Encourage yourself to honor the past Americans who defended that ideal. Be fluent in our culture, be an expert on this ideal for which you've volunteered to pay the ultimate sacrifice. Educate yourself on the past. 

Our history is a remarkable history, short in comparison to many, but enthralling, inspiring, and absolutely key to its own continuance. Be the one who passes that torch.