Warfare offers no glory. The tools of conflict are designed to dismantle the enemy with ruthless efficiency. In battle's chaos, we often ignore the profound human cost. Brave men and women are taken from their families and thrown into war's unforgiving reality, where death looms large. Many heroes do not return, leaving an irreplaceable void behind.

Serving one's country is one of the noblest pursuits a citizen can embrace. This service goes beyond military uniforms; it is woven into the fabric of our society. Countless brave individuals have sacrificed their lives for our freedom, ensuring future generations inherit a world free from tyranny. Our nation's history is filled with those who have taken on immense burdens, transforming this land into a beacon of hope and resilience. While some may observe from afar, we have created a legacy that inspires admiration worldwide, showcasing the indomitable spirit that defines us.

Our nation has a history that deserves recognition. The monuments across our landscape were often built by those denied a voice, individuals who fought bravely for our ideals but faced prejudice and harassment upon their return. Despite this, they contributed significantly to our society, influencing generations.

Certain protests advocate for marginalized communities. While frustrations can sometimes lead to looting and destruction, I believe these actions are unjustified. Peaceful protest is the foundation of true activism. Violence only leads to more violence, obscuring the important messages we want to convey. History shows us that when Americans unite peacefully, transformative changes occur. Choosing nonviolence invites broader support and helps us create a brighter future together.

When we look back over our history, put yourself and your family into the shoes of a black family when you had no protections from law enforcement, the members of the Klan are going about their daily routines, working in the stores, being a policeman or mail carrier during the day and hooded up at night to invoke terror among the black community. Yet the resilience of a people prevailed. They marched peacefully and organized sit-ins to invoke change. Think of the bravery of those people when the possibility of being shot down in the streets is real.

Some Americans may struggle with the true version of our history. During the dark days of the Klan and lynchings, people of all colors marched in the Civil Rights movement. Teaching our children this reality shows that we all fought for justice and share our humanity.

Our history should be honest, revealing our strength when we unite for change. We are not all racists or criminals. What's wrong with loving one another and working together? We must address what ails our nation, as it threatens our democracy. It's puzzling that a country with "In God we trust" on its currency finds it hard to trust its founding principles.

One striking symbol of our nation stands tall as the national capital, the heart of our democracy. As Americans, it is deeply troubling to witness this revered symbol tarnished by those who would desecrate it in unimaginable ways - defiling its floors and smearing feces across its walls. Shattering windows and forcibly breaching the sanctity of this sacred space, all fueled by an insidious falsehood. There is nothing noble or honorable about this brazen attempt to disrupt the vital workings of our country.

Why trust your own eyes when they've been clouded by deception? Some claim that the demonstration was peaceful, insisting that the actions of those citizens were benign. Yet, that is another fabrication. Do not bury your head in the sand, turning a blind eye to the chaos around you. If you witness something wrong, speak up and let your voice be heard. The rioters of January sixth stormed our Capitol, leaving a trail of destruction, only to be met with the ultimate betrayal - a pardon. If you neglect to read and understand your history, you surrender the narrative to the millionaires and billionaires who shape it to their liking.

Look around and see the hardworking men and women pitted against one another. The common folk bear the weight of it all, while the affluent pull the strings from their homes, which some of us will never be able to afford, fueling our battles.

If one understands our history, think back to the moment when members of the Black Panther Party made their way into the state capitol in California. Was this a takeover of the Capitol, or was it a protest? Consider our history and see how the same brush with beautiful or so-called ugly paint has swayed what we see. They did not arrive with hostility; instead, they came and were nonviolent. But we know the reaction of law enforcement and some lawmaker who said they feared for their lives. As the Black Panthers departed, they maintained that same ethos of peace, leaving behind a resonant legacy that once called out to be what January sixth materialized into.

Reflect on the atmosphere of that pivotal time, filled with passionate discussions about justice, equality, and the rights of all citizens. Picture a country united under the banner of liberty and justice for all - "one nation under God" - rather than being dominated by the whims of any single ruler, regardless of their station. This deviates from the principles upon which our great nation was founded.

The Constitution explicitly limits a president to two terms, totaling eight years in office, safeguarding against tyranny and the concentration of power. Those who aspire to grasp at unchecked authority do not belong here; they should take their ambitions elsewhere. America is a beacon of freedom, a land not meant for those who seek to undermine the democratic values that define us.

Yet, suppose you carry love deep within your heart, hold our laws in high esteem, and aspire to embrace the invaluable lessons etched in the granite of history. In that case, America is poised to warmly welcome all who seek citizenship through the appropriate and honorable channels.

To those citizens who chose to storm the sanctity of our capital: you are nothing but cowards. The same sentiment extends to anyone who endeavors to distort the truth of our history. Even if you weren't alive during those tumultuous times marked by lawlessness and the oppression of fellow citizens, the question remains: Will you choose to do what is right, or will you blindly follow a cult, pushing our nation to once again sanitize our history to cater to the discomforts of some?

I stand with pride as an American and embrace my identity as a Black individual. Just glance at my book's cover - it vividly encapsulates the dignity I, alongside my fellow Marines, showcased as we honored our revered capital. When the Gulf War came to a triumphant close, we brought forth a Harrier fighter jet close to the entrance of our nation's heart. I was among the dedicated Marines on the ground, ensuring its powerful engine roared to life as it was designed to do. This magnificent aircraft descended, touching down vertically on the hallowed grounds of our nation's mall, only to ascend once more into the sky, performing an awe-inspiring display of strength and masterful piloting. We affectionately referred to these skilled aviators as a "good stick." It was a moment steeped in pride, a shining chapter in our nation's history's vibrant and complex tapestry.

My journey in service to our great nation, supporting the Gulf War effort, found me in Japan for six months, which pressed on to eight as I drilled and prepared for the imminent storm of war. The moment I left Japan and set my course back to the United States, where I remained in my barracks for ninety-six grueling hours, until the call to suit up came.

Once again, I found myself in the air, headed toward the heart of conflict for several relentless months. At the end of this deployment, I traveled to Spain and boarded a C-2 COD en route to the USS John F. Kennedy Aircraft Carrier. There, I witnessed the precision of naval aviation as our plane caught the arresting cable, jolting me to a stop while facing backward - a moment filled with adrenaline and pride. As my deployment drew to a close near Norfolk, Virginia, I was catapulted off the JFK's deck, experiencing a dizzying surge. After such an eye-opening experience, life became a treasure hunt, searching for a thrill that could surpass the excitement of taking off and landing on an aircraft carrier.

January sixth was not a day of honor but a moment of deep embarrassment for our country. It stands as a stark reminder of what we are fighting against. Please read about the courageous Captain who piloted the Harrier that landed on the National Mall, and honor the valor of the Marines and service members from every branch who made immense sacrifices. They answered the call, standing steadfast in the face of chaos, embodying the true spirit of our nation.

Countless heroes lie in eternal peace on distant shores, their sacrifices echoing through time. Thousands more remain lost, their stories waiting to be uncovered. What are we doing, America? When the weight of your freedoms feels like a burden and you're tempted to surrender them without a struggle, please take a moment to wander through our nation's hallowed cemeteries. Each gravestone tells a tale, and for those scattered across foreign lands, another question hangs heavy in the air: what drove them to lay down their lives? Pause and feel the pulse of their legacy.