Most Feared

[qwazse]

My sister-in-law passed along some of my dad’s awards. Among them was a pin for representing the VFW in the Voice of Democracy essay contest at my high school. I didn’t think much about it, and we teased him that it was his way of getting his picture in the paper every year. I even submitted an essay which we then had to read to an audience of our teachers while being recorded (audio, no video). Even though my classmates produced much better work — thus getting their picture in the paper with Dad, I found it to be a rewarding and thought-provoking experience.

Still, it didn’t click as to why this meant so much to Dad … even after years pocked with  many conversations — with veterans of various countries, former POWs (their and ours), self-described freedom fighters, occupiers and occupied. It didn’t click until last month as we witnessed the post-modern world’s most magnificent tyrant expend a tenth of a division of the most formidable army on the planet … as we are about witness him hazard as many more soldiers and arms in the coming month. Some think he didn’t expect such losses. I think he knew his special military operation would be very, very costly. Why squander so much? Why provoke the Free World?

Because, scouts, this dictator’s neighbor had taken up the the most feared weapon on the planet: a populace able to speak their mind — in the language of his citizens, no less. Precious little could pose a greater existential threat. Over the past century, men like my father, the teachers who assisted him, our scoutmasters, and many other volunteers in this country and around the world have spared time to train youth to master speaking their mind trustworthily, courteously, kindly, and bravely. If you’ll allow, we will train you to do it too.

Edited April 9, 2022 by Eagle1993
Changed to Voice of Democracy

[InquisitiveScouter]

Edited April 7, 2022 by InquisitiveScouter

[fred8033]

Really nice.  This is very special.  

Edited April 7, 2022 by fred8033

[qwazse]

Mods, it was brought to my attention that, among other typos, I mislabeled “Voice of Democracy” using instead the name of the radio station that, in the ‘80s in Europe, had the second best American accents. (First prize for flawless American accent went to Radio Moscow.)

Any chance we can have an edit?

[Eagle1993]

1 hour ago, qwazse said:

Any chance we can have an edit?

I think I fixed it correctly.