At the end of perhaps the most divisive election in American history, social tensions only seem to grow as political rhetoric darts to the heart of our society. For months, headlines have been dominated by protests and violence. America, as it stands now, seems more divided than ever and begs for a unifying symbol of hope.
Fortunately, this Veterans Day, we just may find the hope we’ve been looking for, as we acknowledge the honorable men and women who dedicated their time in service to our country. Our veterans deserve the highest gratitude for their willingness to put aside their differences and serve Americans, united to preserve the beauty of liberty and justice for all.
When we reflect on the service of our veterans, leadership, faith, and love of country – undeterred by race, religion or background – inspire us. This admiration was reflected Saturday of last week when the American Veterans Center hosted the annual American Valor: A Salute to Our Heroes awards gala in Washington, D.C., commemorating America’s service members from across generations.
Among the distinguished men and woman honored that night, was 96-year old, retired Colonel Charles McGee, a member of the original Tuskegee Airmen. Colonel McGee is a shining example, as he was willing to fight for a country that hadn’t fully embraced him, a country that proliferated widespread segregation through Jim Crow laws and blatant discrimination.
In fact, in World War I, African Americans were not allowed to join our nation’s military air corps, which led to nearly two decades of advocacy by African Americans who wanted nothing more than to serve their nation’s military in the sky. Finally, in 1939, after nearly two decades of advocacy, Congress passed legislation authorizing and designating funds for training African American pilots.
What followed was the formation of the first all-black flying unit, which would later be famously known as the Tuskegee Airmen. As one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, Colonel McGee is remembered for holding the record of 409 aerial fighter combat missions over three wars, fighting alongside and saving his fellow Americans, without regard to their differences of opinion or race.
While we may disagree on the issues of the day, politics, and policies, we are all fighting for the same freedom Colonel McGee fought for decades ago. We are one nation founded on the ideas of freedom, on the idea that no matter who you are or where you come from, you can thrive and pursue that dream. We need to embrace President Obama’s post election words: “We are Americans first. We’re patriots first. We all want what’s best for this country.”
This Veterans Day, let us put aside differences and unite in thanking our men and women who have sacrificed so much to ensure that the freedom we so often take for granted outlives our generation and is preserved through the centuries to come.
American Valor: A Salute to Our Heroes will be nationally televised on American Heroes Channel, Sunday November 13, at 8am; REELZ Channel, Sunday November 13, at 11am; and the American Forces Network, Saturday November 19, at 11am (all EST)