I DEDICATE MYSELF TO SERVE
Rep. Mike Morley
General Order Number 11 of the Grand Army of the Republic was the document that established Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was then called, as a nationwide observance. The Order was written in 1868 by General Logan who was serving as a Congressman from Illinois. The language, both beautiful and stirring, illustrates the reverence due our fallen heroes, “...cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their hearts a barricade between our country and its foes, their soldier lives were the revilee of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and toils of the nation can add to their adornment and security is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice, or neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present, or to the coming generations, that we have forgotten, as a people the cost of a free and undivided Republic. If other eyes grow dull, and other hands black, and other hearts cold, in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light, and warmth, of life remain to us.”
During this season of patriotism and remembrance begun on Memorial Day and culminating with the celebration of our nation’s independence, our hearts and tender thoughts turn to our armed forces. We are reminded of the lives cut short and broken hearts left behind, of careers and families temporarily interrupted by the call to service. How small my sacrifice seems in comparison. Most of us will not die on a battlefield protecting freedom, but that is not the only way to pay the price of freedom. I am reminded of a line from the Battle Hymn of the Republic. “As He died to make us holy, let us live to make men free.”
A friend describing one of her most vivid memories from childhood tells of her grandfather raising and lowering the flag each morning and evening. If it rained or snowed, he would run home from work across the street to take the flag down. When he was old and sick and could not do it himself, he paid some one to do what he had done for decades. He had lost a son in WWII and knew all too well the truth that freedom is not free. This daily ritual instilled in that young girl a deep reverence for our country, our flag, and for those who gave their lives that we might be free. And, his admonition still echoes through the years, “You will probably never be asked to give your life for the sake of liberty but you must live your life to preserve it.”
I would like to suggest three areas in which we can further the cause of freedom in our own lives. First, we can get informed and involved. Like the proverbial frog in the pot of boiling water, we see our liberty eroding all around us. Our lives are so busy with other honorable and important duties like family and church. We are all at different stages in our lives and some have more time than others to devote to political activities. However, we can all be informed and involved. We can teach our children the history of our country and instill in them a sense of responsibility. We can be informed on the issues of the day and vote according to our conscience. We can attend our caucus meetings and elect delegates to represent our views or be delegates ourselves. We can pass out flyers for a candidate or donate money to a campaign. We can write letters or make phone calls. There are many ways to be involved. Talk to your elected officials or someone you know who is involved and ask how you can help. Whether you have a few minutes or several hours each week, we can all make a difference.
Secondly, the principles of personal responsibility and self-reliance are particularly important to many in this state. It is essential for freedom’s sake that we live those principles and teach them to our children. Government intervention always comes with strings attached and unintended consequences.
Thirdly, an idea that can be most difficult. Maybe part of the price we pay for freedom is allowing others their liberty as well. There are, of course, important limits to our freedoms. For example, it is morally repugnant to allow a woman to kill her unborn child. It is amazing to me, though, the areas in which government has encroached. I remember once hearing an argument that we should pass a certain bill because it would help parents be a good example to their children. Now, of course we should be good examples to our children, but do we want the government deciding what is and is not a good example? As legislators, we often see a group that wants their rights protected, but have no problem asking the legislature to infringe on some one else’s freedom. Free agency is another principle important to many of our citizens that often gets lost in the political arena.
In closing, a quote from Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg: "That from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause which they gave the last full measure of devotion...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom..."
I rededicate myself to serving you in a way that preserves our freedoms. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to serve as your representative and the honor given me to serve so many good and noble people. Please feel free to contact me with questions or comments at mikemorley@utah.gov.
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