“To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.” – George Washington.
This quote by our founding father and first president is indeed an absolutely true statement, for he understood the nature of man and power. Man's nature and the insatiable appetite for power has never changed or wavered since the beginning of civilization.
Why do we have to continue this unceasing vigilance and preparation? Traveling back even further in time, the Greek historian Thucydides defined the principles of man and power, that President George Washington was so critically aware of. They're known as the four natures of power, and Thucydides defined them with absolute clarity.
- Power will always seek to dominate the weak.
- Once dominance is achieved, power will always seek to increase its power.
- Power will never give up its position of dominance willfully.
- Power will only ever yield to a superior force or power.
Power is an expression of the nature of man's will. Power cannot exist without man. Therefore, man is power. Power is man.
If you understood these principles, then it is easy to see that if we want peace, then we must prepare for war. If we, America, are weak, we will eventually and without question, be dominated by a superior power.
How have we prevented this outcome from becoming a seeming inevitable reality for both the United States and for that matter, the entire free world?
It has been the presence of a formidable and powerful United States military. My father once told me, “Ernie, you would much rather grow up in a world with a strong America, than in a world with a weak America.”
What is the secret of this formidable and powerful military? Some say it is our superior weaponry. Some say our advanced technology or our superior leaders. Yes, all of those are necessary pieces, but none of them can exist without the one key component, the courage, sacrifice, resolve, and yes, kindness of United States servicemen and women. From the blistering cold of Valley Forge to the parched dust of the battle for Fallujah, it has been our military personnel that have stood the test against all odds.
If you are a veteran of our military service, whether man or woman, having served in combat or support, you have been the reason that our people, and people all over the world have known the gifts of freedom and peace.
Every veteran since the founding of this country has been vital to this goal, and we owe you our thanks and gratitude for shielding us from the evil of those who are corrupted in their pursuit of power.
Thank you to all who have served, all who are now serving, and thanks to all the veterans throughout our nation's history for keeping us safe.
Ernest Emerson.
