Remember Our True Strength: A Memorial Day Reflection on Unity and SacrificeI

I do not know a single soldier, intelligence official, diplomat, or public servant who has ever asked their fellow Americans about their political affiliation before standing together in defense of the Constitution of the United States of America.

For instance, despite the deep divisions, soldiers on both sides believed they were fighting for the nation's future, even during the Civil War. Today, on Memorial Day, we honor the solemnity of anyone who serves or has served. As Americans, we must remember the sacrifices made to defend the rights codified in the U.S. Constitution.

All those who have died in battle did so for one reason: to defend our Constitution. They served regardless of party affiliation, religion, or ideology. They did not question their comrades' beliefs before defending our nation.

Each fallen soldier died to defend the secular and pluralistic values underpinning our nation, which allow us to live freely and independently. These shared values create a sanctuary for our diverse beliefs, fostering unity while respecting our differences. Our differences make America strong, weaving an intricate fabric that unifies and strengthens us.

However, we are now losing more than soldiers. We are losing dignity, respect, integrity, neighborliness, community, and unity. This erosion threatens our collective strength as a nation. Few Americans argue that this is our desired outcome. We have allowed this through apathy and indifference to the strength that comes from our differing views.

America is at risk of being plagued by apathy and complacency amidst individual and collective fears—especially as the fear-based populist politics of right-wing extremists seek to divide rather than unite us. These politics exploit societal fears and promote divisive rhetoric, undermining our unity and shared values.

Alexis de Tocqueville eloquently described soft tyranny, noting that it breeds fear, uncertainty, and doubt in the populace. In our current context, soft tyranny refers to the erosion of democratic values and the rise of divisive, fear-based politics.

"Such a power does not destroy, but it prevents existence; it does not tyrannize, but it compresses, enervates, extinguishes, and stupefies a people, till each is reduced to nothing better than a flock of timid and industrious animals, of which the government [and corporations] are the shepherds."

Tocqueville believed we could avoid soft tyranny through "habits of the heart," such as empathy, respect, and understanding. These habits foster a sense of unity and shared purpose, countering divisive forces.

On this Memorial Day, let us reflect on what is in our hearts. I doubt any American truly desires today's divisive politics. We must become the shepherds of our American lives together, not giving our power as citizens to the government or corporations nor succumbing to fear.

We must not let apathy stultify our ability to participate in collective action. We must not permit this form of tyranny to extinguish the fire of liberal democratic governance. Today, as we honor those who have served, let us celebrate each other and embrace our differences as what makes America great.

In these times, remember the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

"All your strength is in your union, all your danger is in discord; therefore, be at peace henceforward, and as brothers [and sisters] live together."

As we spend time with family and friends today, discuss what unifies us, our shared values, and the legacy of our generation. Remember all Americans who have died for us over the last 248 years; this is the least we can do one day each year.