When President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as a day to honor those who fought in World War I, he talked about the possibilities of political freedom. He said, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service.” In 1954, after World War II, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day, a day to honor all our heroes who have served … those brave men and women who sacrificed everything to protect the freedoms and rights of our great nation.
Veterans Day, and all it stands for, means everything to me.
I am a 76-year-old Vietnam era combat U.S. Army Ranger veteran who volunteered for two tours of duty. Why? To uphold the values I held dear. Those were the same values of the Founding Fathers and Mothers, values such as patriotism, truth, respect, tolerance, and integrity, which provide the bedrock of our society. Fifty years later, I fear that those values have eroded to the breaking point.
These days, the concept of “political freedom” seems to mean the freedom of politicians to lie and manipulate, and for Americans to treat each other with disrespect. The “solemn pride” that Woodrow expected from the public a century ago seems to have morphed into derision and sometimes even outright rage.
I have seen people trample on our flag and even burn it. I have heard the most repellant insults being flung at the “other” camp. I know laws have been broken. Our precious Constitution, and the memory of the fallen who defended it, has been tarnished.
Even back in the 1960s, a decade characterized by political upheaval and social rifts, our nation was not as divided as it is today. We have been pitted against each other along partisan, economic, and even racial lines. It is heartbreaking for me to watch how our politicians and other bad actors spread lies and distrust among the people. This deep polarization has made civil discourse impossible, in the media and in the public.
Now, a new president is taking office. Campaigning is over, and 50 percent of our nation must concede election results and muster the respect and allegiance due their democratically elected leader. Whatever direction our nation is headed, we as Americans must stop the hate and the lies.
We are at a historical crossroads. We will be 250 years young in a year and a half, on July 4, 2026. Our short experience of democracy is being tested.
We must facilitate the way for a new group of young, fresh leaders to emerge. We must encourage positive changes through the progressive left, while firmly holding onto our values and traditions through the conservative right. It takes vision and compromise. Our current array of political leaders must work for all Americans, not just for their voting base and those in their own parties.
At this crossroads we must rededicate ourselves as a nation to feeling gratitude for those who sacrificed for our freedom. On this Veterans Day we must show respect for “A Legacy of Loyalty and Service.” This overarching theme reflects the enduring commitment of veterans to their nation, highlighting their bravery and selflessness in service. It aims to inspire gratitude and recognition for their sacrifices, reinforcing the importance of honoring those who have served in the Armed Forces.
It should inspire us to do better for them.
Addressing the challenges many vets face after their service is critical. We must focus on Mental Health Awareness and promoting discussions around mental health resources and available support systems. My hope is that our new administration will recognize this for the essential bipartisan issue it is.
I believe that the journey toward healing America starts with gratitude. Yes, the divisiveness plaguing us is a gaping wound. Suturing it requires a return to civility and patriotism. Those are the values that once upon a time made us proud to be Americans.
That America is the one I fought for.
Dr. Jim White is chairman and CEO of Post Harvest Technologies, Inc., as well as founder and CEO of PHT Investment Group. White, a Greenwich resident, is the bestselling author of five books, including “Broken America: Ten Guiding Principles to Restore America” and “Opportunity Investing: How to Revitalize Urban and Rural Communities with Opportunity Funds.” Throughout his career, he has bought, expanded and sold 23 companies operating in 44 countries. He is a disabled Vietnam army combat veteran and holds a B.S. in civil engineering, an MBA, and a doctorate in psychology and organizational behavior. He shares his insights and critical thinking skills in a webcast series, “Healing America with Dr. Jim White,” in which he explores the many issues and challenges faced by our nation — and how to fix them.
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