Orders

Most people can recall the first time they received orders. They usually came from parents who gave direct commands, and those commands were to be followed. “Don't cross that road without holding my hand; Stop hitting your brother (or sister); If you keep doing that, your face will get stuck that way” and the like were constantly given by those who were in charge. Some of those orders were kept willingly, and other times when orders were not kept, enforcements were made. (Who can ever forget those “enforcement” times?) Nonetheless, orders were given, and orders were to be followed, and no one knows that better than the military personnel of the United States of America.

One of the best known parts of the military, even to civilians, is that orders are given from higher ranking individuals within the military. From the Sergeant to the Private, from the General to the Colonel orders are given, and without exception, they are to be followed. Unlike the small child who occasionally rebels against his or her parents, insubordination is not tolerated. Brig time, court-martial, or dismissal with a dishonorable discharge may be implemented for those who do not follow orders.

But why have orders? Why not allow everyone to direct themselves? Why not have each person within the military draw up their own plans, their own strategies, and their own way of doing things? Because as one army man put it, “To fail to plan is to plan to fail.” Lives are at stake. Lands are at stake, and liberties are at stake, and orders are used to protect and preserve. Gratitude in it's highest regard is to be extended to those who give and take orders today. Thank you to those who serve, obey, lead and protect the values that have made this country great for many, many years.

Until tomorrow...Why Say More?