Perseverance: our calling, obligation and duty

  • Published
  • By Col. George Nichols
  • 325th Medical Group commander
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  He failed in business in 1831. He was defeated for state legislator in '32. He tried another business in '33 and failed. His fiancée died in '35. He had a nervous breakdown in '36. In '43 he ran for Congress and was defeated. Five years later he tried again and failed. He ran for the Senate in '55, lost, but ran for the vice presidency the following year and lost again. He tried one last time to run for the Senate in '59 and again lost. A year later he ran for the presidency of the United States and won!

I am talking about Abraham Lincoln: a man who in his time was loathed, despised, and even hated in some quarters of America. I am talking about a man who led this nation through its darkest hours to emerge as one of our most beloved, respected presidents in history. Despite many devastating public and personal setbacks prior to his election, the secession of seven states from the Union prior to his inauguration, and defeats during his time as commander in chief during the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln persevered. He personally and professionally rose above overwhelming odds to ensure this country remained united in purpose and conscience. When we think times are tough, and at times they are, we should reflect on Lincoln's strength of character and personal courage -- hallmarks of his perseverance.

In many ways, our present is not so unlike our past. We have enemies trying to destroy our nation from within and without. There were then, as there are now, politicians, news reporters, religious leaders, and community leaders ardently split on the issues facing this country, who are willing to shade, distort, or fabricate the truth to further their point of view. Factors such as instantaneous communication that present powerful visual images, incessant opinion polls, 24-hour news, and internet blogs provide additional venues that will transform opinions and truth faster than they can be assimilated or evaluated. There were few allies then, as there are now, willing to stand with us to contain a worldwide threat of terror bent on destroying the free world's way of life.

Now we have the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, attempting to re-establish his country as a nuclear world power. China appears to be building a military with a capability to project its power beyond its borders. Then there is Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmedijinad, whose country supplies weaponry to insurgents in Iraq. He has also called for the destruction of Israel and demise of the United States. As defenders of the constitution and our nation we understand the stakes are high, the consequences of failure grave.

Lincoln once said, "America is the last best hope of Earth." This does not mean we can do no wrong. However, our history is replete with examples of generosity in time of disaster, help in nation building, the committing of our military to overcome invasions of sovereign nations as in the great World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and Kuwait or quelling ethnic violence or dictatorial regimes. Millions of people have been freed by these actions. What other nation can make these claims? Our economic strength and freedom of individual expression and accomplishment is why so many dream to come to live here. This great experiment of a democratic society and the principles upon which it was founded is the most successful in history. It is as true today as it was in Lincoln's day.

The only way we can keep President Lincoln's statement true is to follow his example -- to persevere as he did no matter what the obstacles, no matter what it costs, or how long it takes. This is the strength of our nation. It is our calling. It is our obligation. It is our duty. God bless America.