who said home of the free because of the brave

My uncle is just one of many who suffered for the greater cause of freedom, and his story will always inspire me. It’s a sobering reminder of the atrocities that are possible when men and women volunteer to serve and defend our nation. There’s a picture in my DC office from the day Hanowa was liberated, and next to it I keep a small book that belonged to my uncle which is signed by others held captive. A prisoner-of-war and survivor of the Bataan Death March, he spent more than two years suffering in Cabanatuan Prison Camp in the Philippines before he was forcibly moved to Hanowa Prison Camp in Japan. I am named for my uncle who was a tested, tried and true American military hero in the Navy during World War II. As a reminder of his willingness to serve and defend the country, I keep a picture at my desk in DC that is signed by his entire crew and shows my grandfather’s ship near Sasebo, Japan. He was a retired captain when I knew him, but he fought in several engagements during World War II and commanded his own ship in the Pacific by the end of the conflict. I can certainly recall many stories in my own family of which I am most proud and grateful.Īs a kid, I remember hearing about my grandfather’s distinguished 26 years of service in the Navy. It’s trite but true that America is the “land of the free” because it’s also the “home of the brave.” While there are many veteran heroes in our midst, we are often unaware of the extraordinary things these brave individuals have done for our country and the incredible sacrifices they have made.

Who said home of the free because of the brave