Tag Archives: Veterans of the USA

Muzzled by Freedom

Today is suppose to be a national holiday in the United States, a time of reflection, thanksgiving and celebration.  However, as brave young men and women serve this country on foreign soil, the freedom they are fighting for is being muzzled.  As the summer heat begins to rise, certain states restrict the size of your beverage.  Meanwhile, activists, politicians and power hungry officials are trying to tell you what to eat, taxing and punishing the owners of popular restaurants.  If this trend continues, you’ll start being fined or arrested for freedom of speech.  Oh, that’s right; its already happening.

Like a high school administration that has lost control of their students, the innocent are being punished for the foolish sins of others.  Whether you drive a car, own a house or want to start your own business, ridiculous regulations and restrictions are taking the fun out of life.  Unfortunately, we live in a culture that is now treating citizens like little children who can’t stay out of trouble.  Perhaps this fall’s election will lift the malaise from the hearts, souls and minds of beaten down individuals.  If something doesn’t happen soon, the blood, sweat and tears of veterans will be forgotten.

On this Memorial Day, 2014, remember the words of John F. Kennedy, “don’t ask this country what it will do for you; rather, ask yourself what can I do for this country?”  When families, neighbors and young people begin to become doers of the word, Matthew 7:24, the chains of oppression will be unlocked.  Despite our best efforts, their is only One who is in control.  May the God of the dead transform the heart of the living so that freedom is no longer muzzled.

Please share your favorite war movie which inspires you to be proud of red, white and blue.

by Jay Mankus

Red, White and Blue

One of my favorite Memorial Day songs is from the group Goads.  Like usual, most people have not heard of this obscure group, which makes up my unique collection of music.  Unfortunately, I gave this album to a friend from church several years ago and he left the church without returning this to me.  The Goads are in the Sonic Flood genre, a worship and praise band with amazing ballads that includes exceptional lyrics.

My favorite song is called Veterans of the USA, inspired by people who have served in our military.  The chorus contains the words Red, White and Blue.  Red symbolizes the blood veterans have shed, dying for the freedom which exist today.  The white is for the innocence, purity and the willingness of these young men and women, who leave their entire families behind, to fight the good fight against the axis of evil which is present in our world today.  Finally, the blue is for the sadness which follows death, tears of remorse, yet dying for a worthy cause, not in vain.

As a junior high and high school teacher over the past 10 years, there appears to be a growing disconnect between young people and the military.  Before Vietnam, the draft was part of our culture, something 18 years had to plan for and deal with if selected to serve.  Today, the Ricky Waters, “for who for what” mentality permeates within many U.S. citizens.  As Memorial Day draws to a close this year, please don’t forget about the warriors who have laid their life on the line so that we can enjoy the greatest country in the world.  May God bless the Red, White and Blue!

by Jay Mankus