Letter: Truths about the freedoms we enjoy

I was visiting a Marine memorial honoring Iwo Jima combatants when I spent a short time with a local Marine who sold me a book about American heroes to read on my flight home. I found three quotes which I would like to share which I thought were very timely.

First, from Ronald Reagan: “The ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will not be bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas — a trial of spiritual resolve: the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish and the ideals to which we are dedicated.” Wow!

Second, with no credits listed: “Democracy will continue as long as people have faith with the candidates they are going to elect next.” Wow!

And third, from Gen. George S. Patton: “May God have mercy on my enemies because I won’t.” Another wow!

Certainly more warlike but probably the truth and a reminder about where we are today, how we got here and what we need to do to maintain our freedoms.

This story was originally published March 21, 2016 at 6:26 PM with the headline "Letter: Truths about the freedoms we enjoy."