“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

I have met hundreds of veterans, but I have never met a veteran or active duty member of the Armed Forces who say they leave their families, loved ones, and risk their lives for an ideology, political party, or particular opinion. What they do fight for is the right for all of us to live free, the right to offer an opinion or express an idea that might fly in the face of “conventional wisdom,” the right to pursue happiness.

And while our nation means many things to many people, one thing is certain - the pursuit of happiness cannot fully be achieved without the freedom to select an educational path that best suits the needs of our nation’s parents and their children.  And while as a nation we have fallen short on a number of occasions of ensuring that “all men are created equal” we continue to strive for a “more perfect union,” one in which all individuals are free to pursue the blessings of happiness for themselves and their families.

It is the preamble to our Constitution in which we find the commitment to build “a more perfect union.” And it is that document to which all members of our Armed Services swear their allegiance in their Oath of Enlistment:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

It is for that reason, among so many others, that we owe all who raise their hand and pledge their support to defend our Constitution our respect, our gratitude and our thanks.  

So when you see a veteran or active duty military member,  just simply say thank you. They are the guardians of the “pursuit of happiness” for all of us and our efforts to “form a more perfect Union.”  Happy Veterans Day!

Founded in 1993, the Center for Education Reform aims to expand educational opportunities that lead to improved economic outcomes for all Americans — particularly our youth — ensuring that conditions are ripe for innovation, freedom and flexibility throughout U.S. education.