Member Takes Family On Unforgettable Poland Tour

David Beresford Wins "Voice Of Democracy" Award

By David Beresford

David Beresford.

“It is a cold day, and the city has gone to bed, and stars have taken the place of the crowds that visited only a short time ago. The lowering sun passes the horizon, when a glint of metal in the moonlight disturbs a placid scene, where the shadow of a rifle in the hands of a soldier reflects onto a white marble tomb. His breath can be seen as a slight fog issuing forth at regular intervals; his every movement is deliberate and exact. Twenty-one steps, back and forth, he paces, his footsteps timed with perfect precision, perfect measurement. At each turn, he shifts his rifle from shoulder to shoulder.

What is he doing? Why is he there? What is he guarding? He is performing a sacred duty and keeping company, with utmost respect, for the remains of a fallen comrade. He is there because he knowsthat what this soldier had done in bravery was for him, and required the ultimate sacrifice. He does what he can by returning the favor back to his brother…by keeping watch. He is guarding a tomb, a grave, a memorial, one of the most hallowed grounds on American soil. He is guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He is guarding the lives lived, and spent, to preserve the life of every living American. Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.

The sentry stands guard at the gate, at his post where he stays through hot and cold, through wind and rain; he stands, ever looking, ever watchful. His trained eyes weave all about his surroundings, his thoughts seldom wandering. He ponders the past. He, more than most, knows that the cost of freedom sometimes involves changing your way of life, sacrificing something for the greater good of the whole. His challenge is to stand firm, and he stands in good company, with those who wandered foreign soil in France, Germany, Korea, and Vietnam.

A voice issues from the darkness and echoes in the recesses of his mind, posing, threatening, challenging, calling out, as it has done many times in our history: ‘American, who are you?’

His reply is bold, his response quick. ‘I am Freedom.’ I am the soul that reaches beyond ordinary pride. I am the passion, the essence, the representative of liberty. I am the patriotic fervor that stirs in the hearts of those who would defend me. I am justice. I am choice. I am love. I am the life and death of fallen soldiers…of the many deaths that were paid to solidify the high price that I demand. I am the hope of tomorrow. I am Freedom.

When America heard the sounds of bombs destroying Pearl Harbor, and saw planes crashing through its World Trade Centers, Freedom accepted the challenge. The sentry heard the cry of the hounds as they first found the scent of their game, and responded. America refused to be the prey. A predator posed a threat to her freedom, and she rose against it, knowing that its protection was the essence of her very society. The sentry turns, and walks on, measuring his steps with precision.

The challenge rings forth still, to the present day. It is a call to arms, the enemy’s challenge against what we, as Americans, believe. Standing in the fading twilight, he reaffirms his vow. I accept your challenge, and every challenge to come, and I will not rest until our Nation is once again sound from threats.

Peace, he knows, may be impossible, but freedom is attainable. He can’t hold on to anything if he can’t hold on to his faith and his hope. It is the future. ‘Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American G.I. One died for your soul; the other for your freedom.’

The sentry walks, looking out on so many thoughts, so many views, and at times, so little respect for what some others have done. He, alone in the night, knows that the challenge will continue. He knows he will not always be appreciated, but he accepts that challenge also. He is freedom. Knowing what’s been done by those with whom he keeps company determines what he does, and what he will do. His every movement is deliberate and exact. Twenty-one steps, back and forth, he paces, his footsteps timed with perfect precision, perfect measurement.”