Limitless reasons why we need to thank veterans

By: 
Richard W. Kucksdorf
Columnist

Editor’s note: This column will form the basis for a speech that will be delivered at the annual Veterans Day program Monday, 11 a.m. at the Shawano County Courthouse, 311 N. Main St., Shawano.

Many people come up to me and other veterans and thank us for our service. I am grateful for those kind words and reply, “Thank you very much, but I can never repay what this great nation has given to me!” The reality for most veterans is we did nothing special but were just doing our jobs, like each hard-working American does each day.

When you say “thank you” to a veteran, what are you thanking that veteran for? Certainly you are thanking that veteran for their time and dedication to the service of this country. But have you given thought to what that veteran has preserved, not just for you but for every American? Do we know as Americans what our veterans have preserved, and what so many around the world know about America?

Did you know Congress cannot and has not ever passed a law forcing you to worship a specific way, and Congress cannot prohibit your freedom of speech?

Our great militia increased the security of all Americans on Oct. 27, 2019, by killing Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. During the American Revolution from 1774 to 1775, the British seized gunpowder, banned gun imports and seized guns from American colonists. How many of you have guns at home? How many of you have a concealed carry permit? Thank a veteran!

On May 3, 1765, the British Parliament passed a Quartering Act for the American Colonies. This law made it legal for Redcoats to be housed in colonist homes or in inns, with no compensation. How many of you have been forced to house troops without your consent? Thank a veteran!

How many of you know of anyone who have had the police break into a home and search that home without a warrant authorizing that search or seizure? Thank a veteran!

In the United States of America, are you in danger of being held for a capital, or infamous crime, unless you have been legally charged? In the United States, if you are charged with a crime and found not guilty, can you be charged for the exact crime again and again until you are found guilty? In the United States does the government take private property without proper compensation? Thank a veteran!

In the United States, if a person is charged with a crime, do they sit in jail or prison for years and years, or is the trial conducted as quickly as it can be conducted? If the accused cannot afford a lawyer is a lawyer provided? Thank a veteran!

If you have a grievance with an individual or with the United States government, you have the right to go to a jury trial. The United States government cannot ignore the jury decision. If the jury decides that you have been wronged, you are protected from overreach by a tyrannical government. Thank a veteran!

If you are charged with a crime, the courts cannot set excessive bail, or set cruel and unusual punishment simply because some government figure does not like you or desires to get even. Thank a veteran!

In the United States, you have the right to marry whomever you wish. Did you know that you can raise your children however you want? Did you know that you can refuse medical treatment or certain types of medical treatment? The United States’ Ninth Amendment says that you have certain rights but also rights retained by the people over the government. Thank a veteran!

Did you know that the federal government has specific powers and so does each state? But any power these two do not have, we as individuals have that power reserved. Thank a veteran!

I have paraphrased the original 10 amendments to the United States Constitution. These 10 amendments are based on the Bill of Rights. How many of you are aware of these rights or take them for granted?

On the 11th month, on the 11th day, on the 11th hour, the war to end all wars was officially ended, but we know that is just another utopian dream. From 1776 to 2019, the United States has been in conflict every year except for 17. We have been in conflict frequently to protect our rights as Americans. We are really thanking our veterans for protecting the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights makes up the first 10 amendments which protect the freedoms Americans take for granted, and many are not aware of.

Memorial Day is a remembrance of those who have passed in combat. Veterans Day was established as the war to end all wars, and was in fact a celebration of life. We need to be thankful that veterans were willing to do whatever it took to preserve this great nation for all of us. We need to be thankful that veterans have always been willing to fight and die for this great nation and to fight for and protect people they do not even know.

Remember to thank a veteran, but mostly, remember why and what you are thanking that veteran for. Never take for granted the rights you have as an American, and educate the future generations.

When you go to church this weekend, remember to thank God that you live in America. Remember to thank God for the veterans who protect your rights as an American!

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