Source/Credit: The Aegis | Opinion-Editorial
By Ahmed Khan | November November 11, 2010
In 1779, while navigating the Bonhomme Richard - a 42 gun rebuilt American Navy merchant ship - Scottish Born American Captain John Paul Jones tried relentlessly to lock onto a 50-gun British Frigate, HMS Serapis. The Bonhomme was taking on water and fire broke out in different parts of the ship and the counter British forces tried to coerce Captain John Paul Jones to put his flag down. Captain Jones retorted, “I have not yet begun to fight”. Captain Jones words echoed the sentiment that America stood for freedom from all forms of tyranny and that a foreign power cannot jeopardize its security.
I think about the character Captain John Paul Jones brought to this nation and then I look at my cousin Lt. Mahmood Sarwar, a Pakistani born, American-Muslim who has been serving in the Navy since 2005.
I feel proud that we as a nation have preserved a tradition of enlisting great individuals into our military. Captain Jones words echoed through the ages in to the hearts of people like my cousin. When joining the US Navy Lt. Sarwar, son of an American-Muslim Imam, told me that, “he wanted to serve his country and by serving in the navy it would be a way to do that.”
This Veterans Day, my hope is we remember the legacy of people like Captain Jones who lead this nation in the right path during its infancy, and people like Lt. Sarwar who is following that same legacy today. Having served in Iraq in 2007, Lt. Sarwar is but one shining example out of 24.9 million veterans around our country. Their selflessness and their loyalty allow us to be safe and free. Our serving elites protected these rights so therefore we cannot take them for granted. Let us thank and assure all of them wholeheartedly that we take our responsibilities as American citizens seriously.
Our veterans have sacrificed their life, time, wealth and honor for the sake of their nation. This has been their greatest gift that they have given to us. It has inspired all of us to do better and give back ourselves to this country as well. Being a member of the American branch of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and a member of its youth group, Lt. Sarwar’s pledge reflects these values of sacrificing his life, time, wealth and honor for the sake of his nation. This is the reason why an individual like him is not conflicted with his beliefs and his duty to serve his country. He is following in the footsteps of a long line of predecessors before him who have served this wonderful country and the Prophet Muhammad he believes in - demonstrating that loyalty to one’s nation is part of your faith.
So, the sacrifices of Captain Jones, and so many who have followed, are possible because of their undying loyalty for the country which they love. It is this spirit of love for our country which should be remembered this Veterans Day.
Read original post here: They Protect Our Heritage - Thanks For Serving
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