To honor veterans, find common ground
It is with honor and humility we recognize and remember all those veterans who have served, are serving in harm’s way or have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom for our great democracy. It is with gratitude and prayer we thank their families as well.
There is no greater calling than to be willing to lay your life down for a friend, comrade or the cause of freedom for those you don’t even know. The Founding Fathers pledged their lives to each other in fighting for and forming this great American spirit. Our legacy is long and commitment to democracy unwavering.
Now standing on the shoulders of all those who have gone before us, the responsibility is ours. We must bring ourselves to find common ground. The hardwon freedoms we enjoy are for all Americans, not just those in political power. Leaders who assume great office or legislative authority arguably serve all the people, not just a constituent base. Decisions should be based on the best for all of us, not just a few. Our forefathers forged a nation of ideals on compromise and solutions. We are always one generation away from losing the gifts of liberty and freedom that so many laid down their lives for. Finding common ground, at this crossroads in our history, is even more critical.
We stand divided more so than ever. Abraham Lincoln recognized the divisive and abhorrent risk of slavery to the future of our union. Lincoln as a candidate and president often stated, as in Scripture, a house divided against itself cannot stand. In victory with humble but great leadership he offered
Our forefathers forged a nation of ideals on compromise and solutions. We are always one generation away from losing the gifts of liberty and freedom that so many laid down their lives for. Finding common ground, at this crossroads in our history even more critical.”
“malice toward none” and compassion to rebuild a broken nation.
I believe most Americans are willing to work together. What we lack is the courage or wisdom from our elected officials to show defining and decisive leadership beyond political agenda. We need strength to demand leaders reach across the aisle, recognize the power of inclusion and know that they represent all of us.
Ronald Reagan and Tip O’Neill did not agree on all things but did agree to compromise for the common good. Reagan saw American as our ancestors did — as the light of a city on a hill leading the way and inspiring hope for a world in need.
The greatest gift we could give to honor our fallen and those who serve to protect us is to put aside petty differences and with courage and conviction agree to work together. It’s our time to show our elected that inclusive leadership matters. Let’s build on the foundations of a just and decent democracy so many veterans fought for, sacrificed for and served to preserve. We can honor them this Veterans Day by finding common ground.
Busey, of Oklahoma City, is CEO and chairman of The Busey Group of Companies.