I noticed the other thread narrowly honored vets like me, but so many other Americans that didn't serve in the military have done so much on the freedom front that I think a thread honoring them is appropiate, so thank you to:

Civil Rights advoctaes

Abolitionists

Labor Leaders

Constitutional Rights advocates

And everyone else that has fought for freedom and equlaity against those that want us to crawl on the ground before them and kiss their feet. Happy Birthday America

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Good For You, "Patriot". Like you, I also served in the military, as a Navy Officer attached to the Marines back at the end of Vietnam. In truth, I served then because I was required to, and I do not know what I would have done if the choice to serve or not serve was an option: however, that period of my life was perhaps the most rewarding several years of my lifetime.

Yes there were some terrible times, but there was also extraordinary courage & friendships, and experiences that transcended anything I have experienced to date: in short, it was hard, painful, scary at times, exhausting & frustrating, but it also allowed me to be part of a membership of courageous brothers from which I learned & experienced at great deal, and for that I will be always grateful.

However, I have also learned that there are many ways people can serve & protect America: we are a unique nation, our concerns for individuals rights & liberties has been an amazing experiment, and as time goes by this balance becomes increasingly challenged. The "principles" set forth in our Constitution are lofty ideals, and I would hope are timeless: however, the structure & mechanics of our government operation may be more subject to the changing world in which it is required to operate.

I guess the "proof is in the pudding", and if we are to be a Nation that survives the advances & changes of the times, we must take a cold hard look at how our present day 1776 model government & its political off-shoots are doing in today's industrial, electronic, nuclear, technological, energy consumptive, resource consumptive, combative & competing world.

I for one believe that the ideals & principles set forth in our Constitution are --at least should be-- timeless: however, I also believe that our engines & mechanics of government may well need a serious overhaul. ...pjwky

Thanks for the thoughtful response. My four years of military service were during mostly peacetime, but they left a deep mark on my life, also. I was lucky to be put into a situation that forced me to grow and mature. I also used my G.I. Bill to further improve myself. I would hope that there will always be a way for young men to go away and do a service for their country that also improves them as people and citizens, I just hope it isn't always the military.

No doubt our democracy needs an overhaul, and sooner rather than later would be better