Veterans: our country requires leadership only you can offer

I recently had the privilege of firing the starting pistol and greeting runners at the finish line of the 42nd annual Marine Corps Marathon. Over 40,000 people participated in the 10k and marathon. Those running, wheeling and walking in this race all participated with purpose. Team Kelly, Team Semper Fi and Team Fisher House were just a few of the names seen on shirts of families and friends running for their specific mission — some honoring those lost during a war, some running for a wounded warrior, and in many cases running alongside a wounded hero injured in battle. All Americans should take note of the unity and commitment portrayed by those running this race and those who have served our country.

As a nation, we find ourselves in seemingly uncertain times: instability in North Korea, terrorism throughout the world and divisiveness on so many fronts. Yet throughout our nation, young men and women continue to step up to serve when their country needs them most. Secretary of Defense James Mattis put it perfectly while addressing a group of young service members:

{mosads}“You’re a great example for our country right now. It’s got some problems — you know it and I know it. It’s got problems that we don’t have in the military. You just hold the line, my fine young soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines — you just hold the line until our country gets back to understanding and respecting each other.”

This sentiment is exactly what is in my heart going into Veterans Day, and I want to take the time to address our service members directly.

You have served our great nation willingly, without bias and honorably. You stepped up when we all needed you the most.

In the 1940s, when an unprecedented attack on American soil led us into the Second World War, you stood up to defend our nation.

In the 1950s, when our country faced communism in Korea, you were there.

In the 1960s and ’70s, when the United States was brought into war in Vietnam — knowing that there would be no hero’s welcome when you came home — you were steadfast.

In the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and the many missions you’ve faced over the past two decades, you have defended our great nation from those who wish to do us harm.  The conflicts, enemies and theaters in which we fight have changed, but the one thing that has not changed is the willingness of Americans to stand up and fight for our great experiment. Since the founding of our great nation, it has been in these moments of great uncertainty and enormous struggle that you define who we are as Americans, what it is we stand for.  No matter the year, the war, or the cause, you are there.

On this Veterans Day, I submit to our men and women in uniform: your service is not over and your mission is not complete. Now more than ever, our country requires leadership only you can offer.  We need you to tell your story of service before self, of country above all and of the American exceptionalism you’ve experienced along the way. We need you to tell the next generation about those who have gone before us and those who given their all — of those who sacrificed their homes, loved ones and lives to serve.

We are forever grateful for your service, thank you.

Bergman represents Michigan’s 1st District and is a retired three-star general in the Marine Corps.