By Jordan Van Wert
“My Vision for America”
Former United States Senate Chaplain, Peter Marshall, once said: “May we think of freedom not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right.” While a beautiful expression of gratefulness, how often do we as individuals, use our freedoms to their full potential? Liberty removes limits from our potential; liberty gives us the chance to do remarkable things. If we citizens of the United States of America use freedom to “do what is right,” then we will find prosperity for generations to come. I envision a nation of people who enthusiastically use freedom to give to others, serve others, and honor others.
When Christmas approaches each year, millions of Americans take to the shops in search of gifts and food. Yet, there are people who, at the same time, will not receive a present or meal. Some may not even have a home in which to celebrate. To counteract this, churches and other community organizations run campaigns to give the poor a meaningful holiday. What makes these programs successful? It is the kindness of everyday people toward others. These people are not forced to give but do so anyway. The result is beautiful. It brings warmth to the homeless, smiles to the sorrowful, and nourishment to the hungry. Numerous poor, lonely people are helped by a single campaign. I, too, have been touched by the giving spirit within our nation. Six years ago, my mother was diagnosed with leukemia. In my family’s own time of need, our West-Michigan community gave us food, gifts, prayers, and even rides to school. Friends, neighbors, and complete strangers, by their own wills, came together to help my family in time of turmoil. What can be done with the generosity of an entire nation?
Even though tangible goods are important, so is serving others. From helping a neighbor rake a lawn, to serving in the military, opportunities to serve others are abundant. My father served for six years in the United States Navy. He was free to join the Navy, and he was free from refraining from joining. Still, he and all of our veterans sensed a responsibility to the people of America. They served other people, not themselves. Now, we have a safe place to live and grow – all because of veterans’ service. Outside of the military, we can also serve our fellow Americans. Opportunities surround us: volunteering in the community, caring for the sick, and lending a hand to a busy person, to name a few. Service to others is not required in America; we are free to choose. However, we are not truly “United” if we do not care to serve fellow Americans. The strength of united Americans has made the United States the most powerful nation in history. Whether or not this success lives on is the free choice of today’s citizens. Do we serve our neighbors, or do we neglect them? Do we serve the future of America, or do we neglect it?
Lastly, I believe that honoring those who closely hold the wellbeing of America is vital to ensuring prosperity. Our nation is dotted with memorials to those who have done extraordinary things. As we honor these people, we spread their messages once more. When I was a young boy, I attended the funeral of my great-grandfather. He was a World War II Veteran, and he was buried with military honors. Three volleys of seven shots rang, and then a bugler began to play. I had never heard “Taps” played before, but, at the instant that the first note echoed, I knew the honor that it bestowed on my great-grandfather. The grateful congregation was touched. I saw the people’s appreciation for my great-grandfather’s service; I was taught the importance of serving others. Likewise, when I see a memorial, I find it necessary to pause and reflect on the work of other people; there is much to learn from them. To honor is to respect, appreciate, and be inspired. Together, these aspects of honor cause people to grow into better men and women. Like heroes of the past, ordinary people can respect the dignity of others, appreciate their efforts, and be inspired by the small acts of freedom that drive America. What will this generation learn by honoring our ancestors? What will we do to inspire others to honor us?
The United States of America’s future is the responsibility of her people. We have a wonderful gift, and it must be put to proper use. Freedom is the foundation of a deeply great country. It is given to us with trust that it will be used to “do what is right,” to do what will fortify our country. If we employ our freedoms to “do what is right instead of whatever we please,” America will become a place of unrivaled splendor. It begins with the actions that we as a community make to serve our neighbors. As Robert Kennedy said, “Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events. And in the total of all those acts will be written the history of a generation.” Our community, then will set out to write the history of our generation and country through giving, service, and honor. We will be a nation of united people and liberty: The United States of America.