I just finished reading Unbroken, a book about an Olympic runner who joined the army in World War II. The incredible, nearly unbelievable tale details the daunting challenges that Louis Zamperini overcame during and after his military service. He survived numerous brushes with death: a plane crash, a harrowing ordeal on a life raft, sharks, capture, near escape, and torture. Just when you think it can’t get any worse, it gets worse. After coming home, with none of the benefits of modern mental health intervention, he struggled with fitting into a life of normalcy. 

 

As part of our civic life, we honor those who serve us in uniform. Their great battles and heroic sacrifices at places like Bunker Hill, Omaha Beach, Khe Sanh, and Fallujah are well known. The story of Louis Zamperini overcoming incredible odds will soon come to theatres across the country. Less known, but no less deserving of remembrance, are the untold stories of the many people who left their families and quietly performed their duty, with no questions asked or demands made. The veterans who maintained tanks and aircraft, cooked, computed, cleaned, and drove. The American ideals of sacrifice and purpose are reflected in their dedication to duty. 

 

Earlier this week we paused for a day to honor our veterans who have so selflessly served our country. Our veterans answered the call to protect America, and through that commitment, they reflect the higher values of honor and justice. 

 

Several months ago, I heard a radio interview in honor of a particularly courageous Vietnam War veteran, Rear Admiral Jeremiah Denton, who passed away this year. Admiral Denton, one of the highest-ranking American officers held as a prisoner of war, endured nearly eight years of imprisonment at the Hanoi Hilton. Like Louis Zamperini, he was severely tortured. 

 

At one point during his brutal captivity, Admiral Denton’s North Vietnamese captors forced him to go on television in a propaganda exercise. They wanted him to publicly condemn his country, but he decided to do the opposite. As he spoke, he blinked his eyes in a very deliberate manner that spelled out “torture” in Morse code. He bravely signaled what was happening to his imprisoned men despite the threat of continued torture and solitary confinement. He later credited his courage during this time to his strong faith. 

 

As a reflection of that turbulent time in America during the Vietnam War, Jeremiah Denton said:

 

It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. 

It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. 

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. 

It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.

 

I thank all veterans who have served in war and peace, who have fought valiantly, who have served willingly. Veterans Day reminds each generation that our security, the order of our society, and the freedom we too often take for granted comes at a very high price. The valor of our veterans ennobles the entire nation. At the end of election season, we put aside political differences to reflect about that which is noble and that which is good. And those who are brave.