We shall return…
As a deep anxiety permeates our national and global moment, I find myself on this Memorial Day thinking back to the dark early days of World War II when victory in Europe and the Pacific was anything but assured. Our armed forces were fighting heroically and suffering great losses. Could we persevere? Would we be there for our friends and allies? General Douglas MacArthur, fleeing the Philippines in perilous fashion amidst the Japanese assault in early 1942, vowed “I shall return.” Two and a half years later he did. And so shall we now.
I have walked amongst the rows of graves in military cemeteries. I have seen the ages of those who have perished in battle – so young. Such a heavy price. I have seen the toll of valor and freedom. I have seen the sacrifice of our men and women in uniform in distant, dangerous, and foreboding lands. I have seen the high cost of hubris and ineptitude from our political leaders paid for in blood by those who were called or pressed into armed service for their nation. I honor all of those who serve and perished on this solemn today. And I mourn with families who have suffered their losses.
For all these reasons, I chose on this Memorial Day optimism for our national destiny. We have asked for so much of our citizenry and have come too far as a nation for us to falter now. This moment is a test that we have no choice but to pass. To consider any other result is too depressingly hopeless, and I firmly believe that the future is ours to shape. Wise leadership can galvanize our nation to return to the path of justice and sound judgment.
To our allies who fear we have lost our way, I say “We shall return.” To our adversaries and enemies who gleefully mark our chaotic state, I warn “We shall return.” And to all of you who wonder about the future, I plead to not give up. “We shall return.”
(Note: I first posted this last year on Memorial Day but felt it was even more relevant today.)