Veterans Share What America Means To Them In Inspiring Interview Ahead On America's Birthday

Some veterans discussed the meaning of being American as well as what it meant to them to serve the country as the 247th birthday approaches for the star-spangled nation.

Fox News host Lawrence Jones spoke with eight veterans from varying branches of the military. One of the first questions asked was whether the American flag has lost its meaning during the turbulent times we live in now. The first to speak was a Vietnam veteran who quickly slapped down the notion that the flag could have lost any meaning, noting he’s “ashamed to say” that it somehow has lost meaning to others in the country.

Another veteran noted how the flag stood for the unique Democratic experience and success that the United States stands for. Another said that he had grown up in a rough situation and if it wasn’t for the United States flag, he “wouldn’t be where [he is] today.”

Jones then asked the men why they signed up for the service and he received many varying patriotic answers. One man at the discussion noted how his father would keep his Marine uniform in his childhood closet and it inspired him to later join the service himself. 

Another vet told a story about how he originally attempted to join the Army but was ignored by the man at the desk. After leaving the office dejected, he ran into a Master Gunnery Sergeant who latched onto the then-young man and brought him into the Marine Corps. One vet noted how he was unsure of what he wanted to do with his life and was able to find purpose by serving his country. 

The most heartbreaking topic was when they discussed what it was like coming home from the service. Answers varied, but most talked of the initial struggle to return to the country. One veteran stayed positive, noting how while the country they returned to may not be in the most perfect shape, the country is still young and growing. He added that for a country our age, we’ve “achieved and accomplished the most because we are American.”

The servicemen are able to provide unique opinions on the country as those who have put their very life on the line for it. Many Americans may consider themselves lovers of the country, but no person loves the country more than someone who can serve it.