Memorial Day - Remembering Those Who Gave All to Defend Our Rights

By Jim Irvine

We are often thanked for all we do to secure firearms rights in Ohio, but this Memorial Day, it's important to remember all those who have come before us, and won all of the big battles. It is only through their sacrifice and perseverance that we are able to fight today's battles.

While it's easy to get caught up in the moment of your own struggles, our lives as we know them would not be possible without the many victories of our veterans. Again and again they have paid the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedom.

Starting with the Revolutionary War, where a group of rag-tag militia men helped defeat the British Army, then the most powerful army on earth, Americans have volunteered to leave the families they love to fight for freedom. Freedom from taxation without representation and oppressive governments. Freedom to practice your religion of choice. Freedom to choose where you live and work. Freedom to speak out for or against anything or anyone you chose. Freedom to keep and bear arms.

The Civil War is still the bloodiest war in terms of lives lost that our country ever waged. The South was fighting for its freedom, but in the end, it was the slaves that won theirs.

In WWI, millions died in Europe after the United States joined with France, Russia, the United Kingdom and Italy.

WWII covered the globe as Americans sacrificed dearly at home to help our soldiers fighting abroad. Everyone did their part.

In the Korean War, we fought to keep South Korea free, and to stop the spread of communist tyranny.

Vietnam is the longest lasting war our nation has fought, and is considered the only one we ever lost. We never lost a battle, and given the state of Vietnam today, one could argue that we won that war too.

In Desert Storm, America restored freedom to Kuwait after Iraq invaded our ally.

The United States of America has had soldiers stationed around the globe for decades. In bases on foreign soil. On ships strategically placed to offer help anywhere it was needed. In submarines patrolling the deep seas, and in the skies offering an umbrella to protect those below.

Brave men and women have volunteered, and served when called, to fight anywhere freedom was threatened.

Today, our soldiers are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. While they fight for the freedom of others, they are also fighting for our safety and security here at home.

Buckeye Firearms Association salutes all our fallen hero's who have fought and won so many battles. We console their families who mourn their loss. It is only through our veteran’s enormous sacrifice in the past that we are able to focus on restoring your firearms rights for the future.

Today as you enjoy Memorial Day, take a minute to reflect on the things that make your life good. Remember the families that have members serving abroad. Remember those that gave all, so that we are free to enjoy today.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

By Lt. Colonel John McCrae - Inspired by a terrible battle in the Flemish town of Ypres during the spring of 1915.