Published June 5, 2024 by JC Glick

This article was originally published in The Havok Journal

Link: https://havokjournal.com/veter...

The other day, I was on a call with a former Navy SEAL. Now, if you know anything about the friendly rivalries within the military, you’ll know that getting a Ranger and a SEAL to agree on something is almost as rare as a unicorn sighting (sometimes we agree with hair products, but they have more experience in that realm). But there we were, both acknowledging the same truth: the future of our nation depends on unity, and veterans hold the key. We joked that if we could agree, then surely anyone could. This tongue-in-cheek story underscores a serious point: unity is within our reach.

In a time when our nation seems more divided than ever, veterans stand as a testament to unity. We come from a background where meritocracy reigns supreme, where the content of our character and our commitment to the mission far outweigh any differences in identity. We are first and foremost former military, then members of our respective branches, and finally defined by our specialties. Way down the list of how we identify are our personal identities. Our individual identities can be acknowledged and celebrated for the grand mosaic they create of our nation, but must take a backseat to what we hold paramount: our unity.

Within the military, camaraderie and respect transcend all else. Rangers and SEALs might debate who is tougher, aviators from different branches might argue about who is more skilled, and Marines might fight with everyone. Yet, these differences, which even we view internally as trivial, never interfere with our unity. We didn’t choose our comrades; we chose the military, and with that choice came the acceptance of each individual for who they are.

We don’t need symbols, special days, or months to know each one of us is important. We understand deeply that we need each other. Are there still issues within the service and among veterans? Yes, but they are far fewer than anywhere else because we are constantly reminded that disunity leads to failure. This is the first lesson taught when one enters service: you don’t have to like your teammates, but you must respect them and be a good teammate, or you will fail.

No identity should ever be vilified or thought of as less than another. Each person’s value lies in their unique contribution to the collective whole. By merely being human, they bring something irreplaceable to the table. We are all equal, and we are all Americans. The strength of our nation comes from this very diversity, and it is our unity amidst this diversity that propels us forward. So, we can celebrate diversity in that it creates amazing unity, and the diversity of this nation makes our unity that much more incredible.

Our ranks reflect the diversity of America itself. We come from every walk of life, every demographic, and every corner of this nation. We see serving our country not as a right but as a privilege. This profound sense of duty and honor binds us together, transcending all other differences. It is this shared commitment to a greater cause that unifies us, making our bonds stronger and our resolve unshakable.

Our nation is at a critical juncture. There are many out there who benefit from a divided America, who gain when we segment ourselves into groups. They thrive on an “us vs. them” mentality, weakening our collective strength. However, veterans have an opportunity to change this narrative. We can set the example and lead, demonstrating that disagreement doesn’t preclude us from recognizing our shared identity as Americans.

In the military, unity isn’t a mere buzzword—it’s a lifeline. We learned early on that our success, our very survival, depended on our ability to work together despite our differences. This lesson is drilled into every service member from day one. It’s not just about teamwork; it’s about a profound respect for each individual’s role and the recognition that every member of the team is essential to the mission’s success. This ingrained understanding of unity can serve as a powerful model for our nation.

We can draw from our military experience to foster a sense of national unity. Consider the diverse backgrounds of those who serve: different races, religions, political beliefs, and socioeconomic statuses. Despite these differences, we managed to work together seamlessly because we focused on our common goal. This same principle can be applied to our country. We must focus on what unites us rather than what divides us.

Our shared identity as Americans should be our rallying point. There is no reason not to be proud to be an American. We must judge our nation not only by its history or its mistakes but by its entire journey, where we stand today and the promise of tomorrow. We continue to be a beacon of hope and freedom—a shining light on a hill. People still flock to our country, eager to become Americans, drawn by the promise of this great nation. You don’t have to love your government, but you should love the promise of your country. Governments can change, but the promise of America remains as bright today as ever through both our triumphs and our trials.

Veterans today have a unique opportunity to lead the way toward national unity. We have experienced firsthand the strength that comes from working together despite our differences. Let’s not fall into the traps that ensnare so many others. Let’s lead the way in finding paths to unity. Don’t let personal issues hinder our collective strength. Seek ways to agree, or at the very least, understand the other point of view. Accept differences and find a way to come together.

This is a call to action. Let’s inspire our fellow Americans to unify, to see beyond our differences, and to strive together towards a brighter future. As veterans, we’ve always known that our strength lies in unity. Now, more than ever, it’s time to remind our nation of that truth.