After sharing it, I kept thinking about the little boy. His was an easy mistake to make. Marines have some things in common with Santa Claus. They both have worldwide reach, they are instantly recognizable, and people everywhere are on their best behavior when they know Santa or Marines are watching.
Yet there are a few important differences. Santa brings gifts of all kinds to children once a year. Marines bring the most precious gift of all–freedom. And not just one day a year, but every day.
They bring this gift not only to children, but to all Americans, young and old, rich and poor, naughty and nice. They provide this gift to those who cherish our traditions and those who disdain them, those who revere our country and those who revile it, those who salute our flag and those who burn it, those who appreciate this gift and those who take it for granted.
Marines give freedom not only to Americans, but to people around the world who are oppressed by tyranny, victimized by terror, and threatened by a never ending parade of evildoers. Marines, along with Americans who serve in other branches of our armed forces, have pledged to pay for this freedom with their lives, if necessary. All too often, they do.
So this week, while giving thanks for big screen football, black Friday specials, and feasts with family and friends, remember to thank those who make it possible for us to enjoy those many blessings of liberty.
As they grow older, some children find it hard to continue to believe in Santa Claus. That’s one more difference. You can always believe in the Marines.
