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If I saw this book on a shelf, I'd be compelled to pick it up and look inside.
“Military life is a very demanding life to lead. Protecting America's freedom is perhaps one of the toughest jobs.” Thus, begins Why We Fight, a timeless and very powerful book that speaks to the values American’s hold dear but against which we must always be alert. Freedom and free speech. Living without fear of a knock on your door. Nearly every word in this book comes from active-duty military personal speaking about service to the nation, to which have been added powerful and often forgotten quotes about the need to protect our freedoms from leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy; Reagan. Nelson Mandela. Even Warren Buffett. “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing,” said Albert Einstein. Against the backdrop of the battles to protect their freedoms in Ukraine, there has never been a better time than now to have a book like this. “To me, the American Dream means that I can dream,” said an emigree. “It doesn’t mean a white picket fence. It means that we get to choose what our fence looks like.”
First impressions matter, and Why We Fight: Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines Talk About America, Service, Family and Freedom by L Douglas Keeney's cover is beautiful. If I saw this book on a shelf, I'd be compelled to pick it up and look inside. The inside contents were just as stunning—the photographs, walk-down history, and the quotes took my breath away.
The introduction was moving. It featured Chief Petty Officer Thomas Ciciora, a twelve-year Navy veteran, speaking on why he devoted his life to the service. I imagine many other men and women share his reasoning. "It wasn't about money and rank and prestige. It was about raising the flag. We do what we do because no one else can or will do it. We fight so others can sleep at night." I thank you for your service and thank all the other brave individuals portrayed in this book.
There were many inspirational and powerful quotes strewn throughout the book. As we watch our democracy in turmoil and people see immigrants as villains, races targeted in the streets and stores, I think it's important that we remember former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's words . . . "The essence of America - that which really unites us - is not ethnicity, or nationality, or religion. It is an idea - and what an idea it is: That you can come from humble circumstances and do great things."
We also need to reflect upon Albert Einstein's words: "The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." January 6th, 2021, was a dark day in history and how many people turned a blind eye or justified what happened that day is appalling. We can't turn a blind eye to those who wish to shred our democracy. We must make ensure the survival and the success of our liberty.
As the book continues, we see Marines interacting with children and
hearing what one thinks a hero should be. One 4th grader's words were right on point, which you'll read when you buy the book. As we move on, readers will see the impact soldiers and their mission have on the lives of others. People embrace them in their community. They see the soldiers as a beacon of hope. As soldiers change the lives of people around them, their lives are also forever changed. As one soldier said, "(Serving my country) is a growing experience. It's part of growing up." I can't imagine what a soldier sees, what they encounter, or the atrocities they face while deployed. I will say that they deserve our respect, our thanks.
There were numerous photographs in the book, encompassing many decades. The collection from the evacuation of Afghanistan (2021) was especially touching because that event happened not so long ago. The devastation is still fresh in my mind.
Our military should be used to bring out peace and hope. I think many soldiers agree with me. "I only hope that any help I give makes someone else's day not as difficult as the day before," said a Marine Corps corporal. "There is more to life that just yourself."
In a world divided by hate, we all should work harder to give hope to our children and our children's children. ~Kameron Brook
Reviewed by
I've been constructing reviews for over a decade and don't plan on stopping anytime soon. Most of the reviews will be featured on my blog (Kam's Place), Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, and X (formerly Twitter.) Don't forget to tip your waitress! :D
Synopsis
“Military life is a very demanding life to lead. Protecting America's freedom is perhaps one of the toughest jobs.” Thus, begins Why We Fight, a timeless and very powerful book that speaks to the values American’s hold dear but against which we must always be alert. Freedom and free speech. Living without fear of a knock on your door. Nearly every word in this book comes from active-duty military personal speaking about service to the nation, to which have been added powerful and often forgotten quotes about the need to protect our freedoms from leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy; Reagan. Nelson Mandela. Even Warren Buffett. “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing,” said Albert Einstein. Against the backdrop of the battles to protect their freedoms in Ukraine, there has never been a better time than now to have a book like this. “To me, the American Dream means that I can dream,” said an emigree. “It doesn’t mean a white picket fence. It means that we get to choose what our fence looks like.”
About the author
I have a master’s degree in Economics, and twenty-two books in print from my publishers Simon & Schuster, St. Martins/Macmillan, HarperCollins. I have been well reviewed by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, slate, the New Yorker and more than one hundred other newspapers and magazines. view profile
Published on April 08, 2022
10000 words
Genre: History
Reviewed by
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