Cause, Honor, Duty...

Right now, in the scriptures, my mom is reading about the Sons of Mosiah. I just read about the Stripling Warriors. We discussed the need for strong men in the day to come.

Every 80-100 or years, there is usually a resetting of society. One generation goes out, another comes in. War, death and suffering usually falls upon the society and the responsibility of rebuilding the society is thrust upon a choice generation. The "Hero Generation."

Think of the young men soldiers in WWII. Called to wage the worst war in history. To protect and defend freedom from the axis powers of evil. They were strong, good, raised well and eventually called to sacrifice for a war they didn't start. But they knew their duty and answered the call.

The strongest, best men and women are born into the hero generation. They must be the strongest and best because they are called to endure the most suffering of any other generation, usually for the sake of an entire country.

The world, and its inhabitants have become lazy, self centered and ignorant. Although I have seen countless "support our troops" bumper stickers, I grew up in a country that didn't acknowledge  that we were at war. The few times the media reported about it was to tell the public of devastating attacks committed by mentally ill Americans against innocent middle easterners and of secrets and lies hidden by politicians and generals.

We don't give our service members the thanks they deserve.

We don't consider it a great honor to serve. To give our lives. So many people join the military for the benefits. A nice home, cheap food to eat, free education, but when the time comes to stand up and serve, even die for our flag, we run away like cowards.

A girl I know was crying the other day. I asked why. She said because her friend in the Army had been deployed. He could die.

I didnt say it, but I wanted to ask, "Is there any better way to die? For your country. For freedom?" We will all die. Every last one of us. In my opinion, there is no better way to go out than with the flag on my shoulder doing what I know is right for the people I love.

If we watch the signs, we will see that countries are lining up, and a blow to America could come at any time. We may not have another world war. But we *will* be asked to sacrifice. We will be asked to protect our loved ones. The women and children.

I'll be asked to give up the ability to be with my family, the freedom to come home for holidays. I will be asked to save american lives and kill our enemies to protect freedom and stand for truth and right. The politics of the situation wont matter. The government will probably be in a state of crisis, unable to do much more than pay themselves more and more.

Gentlemen, Brothers...

Please, please, realize that there is a greater cause. An honor. A duty.

I am willing to stand up and accept it. Are you?