Throughout my 36-year military career, punctuated by ten tours in Afghanistan, I have borne witness to sacrifices that most can scarcely comprehend. I have been honored with two awards for valor, five Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts, but it is the memory of the 72 service members I lost that truly compels me to speak out. These brave individuals made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms, and to remain silent while our Constitution is undermined by political leaders is a disservice to their legacy.
The essence of our democratic society lies in the Constitution, a document that not only outlines the structure of our government but also enshrines the fundamental rights of its citizens. Each right, whether it be the freedom of speech, a fair trial, or the right to bear arms, is not merely a legal formality; it embodies the principles for which countless service members have fought and died. Watching the two major political parties—Democrats and Republicans—engage in a seemingly endless tug-of-war over power and ideology, I am struck by an unsettling irony. How can leaders, tasked with upholding the Constitution, stand by while its essence is eroded by their partisan agendas?
In a polarized political climate, the sanctity of the rights guaranteed in the Constitution has become collateral damage. Decisions are often made not in the best interest of the people, but rather to fulfill party lines or gain political advantage. Legislative initiatives and executive orders that infringe upon individual liberties—whether through use of the military, attacks on free speech, profiling with immigration policy, search and seizure violations—reflect a troubling trend toward prioritizing power over principles. For those of us who have dedicated our lives to defending this nation and its Constitution, these actions are nothing short of a betrayal.
The rights we enjoy are not guaranteed; they are a product of the sacrifices made by our service members.
Each decision to deploy, each battle fought, and each life lost was in the name of preserving the freedoms we often take for granted. We honor this sacrifice by ensuring that the very foundation of our democracy remains intact and safeguarded against political encroachments.
Our duty as citizens does not end when we return to civilian life; it is just beginning. I urge my fellow Americans to remain vigilant. Engage in conversations about the Constitution, challenge narratives that seek to divide us, and make your voice heard in the political arena, regardless of your party affiliation. We must hold our leaders accountable to the oath they took to defend our Constitution.
In remembering my fallen comrades, I am reminded of their sacrifices and the moral imperative it places upon me and others to be active participants in preserving democracy. Silence in the face of injustice is not an option. Every American has a role to play in ensuring that the freedoms we cherish are not only preserved but also expanded for future generations.
As I reflect on my time in service, it becomes clear that the battles fought abroad are only part of the story. The most important battles now may be those occurring here at home—battles that demand our unwavering attention and courageous action. Let us honor the sacrifice of those we lost by committing ourselves to the principles enshrined in the Constitution and ensuring they remain unassailable against the tides of political ambition. Our freedom is a legacy to be preserved, a duty that transcends partisan lines and calls for unity in its defense.
Donald C. Bolduc