The Declaration of Independence:
In terms of combat, engagement in battle and war;
"The United States Army remains one of the most powerful forces in the world, based on recent combat experiences, equipment and training".
"We hold these truths to be self evident..."
To declare Independence and move to be free, is to elicit warfare. You don't declare it because the girl across the street said she did it. You definitely don't do it, because it happens to be politically correct or whatever nonsense is being peddled at the time. You do it, because the time has come to exercise the full essence, of yourself and purpose freely. Freedom is never free, it comes with a huge price! There is a tussle, there is a fight and war is declared. When I speak of war, I am not talking of incurring the consequences of wicked dealings and actions. Or the result of a trouble-maker instigating unrest. No I am speaking of being thrust, into a necessary and/or involuntary situation.
You gain war stripes, by being immersed in the battle. Every highly decorated Sergeant or General knows that for each battle, there was not an assurance that they would make it back alive. But at each call of duty, they showed up and showed out. Thus building rank. And the more they went out, it was impossible to attack them with the threat of war. In fact war became the familiar. The real repulsive shock was the mundane acts, mediocrity, pettiness and foolishness exercised by those that would.
And unfortunately, even worse were those that misappropriated, misused and undermined the sacrifice of the few. Today we are the land of the free, because of the brave.
Happy Independence Day 2019!!