The month of December throughout our nation’s history has been a very active time for our military. We all know about the Day That Lives in Infamy, when the Japanese, unprovoked, attacked the islands of Hawaii decimating the Pacific Fleet of our Navy. We know about the siege of Bastogne in the European theater of WWII that lasted many days and showed the true tenacity of the American soldier, holding off overwhelming German forces in what became known as the Battle of the Bulge. During the Korean War, Lieutenant Colonel Raymond Davis against a superior Force led his Marine Battalion in fierce combat in the mountains above the Chosin Reservoir, finally breaking through to the city of Hagaru-Ri. This blazed a path for two other battalions to follow in support. For Bravery Davis received the Medal of Honor.

Earlier in history during the birth of this great nation, our founding father and Commander in Chief of the continental Army crossed the Delaware River in a surprise attack on British and Hessian forces in the battle of Trenton. A troop inspiring engagement during the American Revolution. And the Union Army took control of Fort Fisher, in North Carolina. This was the last Atlantic port held by the confederates during the American Civil War. Its capture and control were a pivotal moment during the war between the states.

Our memories of these wartime events flood easily to our minds during the holiday season especially with such coverage of the heroic actions of many a young American man. But we often forget that other types of events also take place with our military. December has seemed to be a time of good launching for many humanitarian operations like “Restore Hope” in the country of Somalia. U.S. Forces like our naval fleet also completed tasks like recovering Astronauts from outer space as they splashed down into the ocean. This occurred in December when Appollo 17 returned to earth after having spent three days on the moon in 1972.

We have overseen such mayhem as the Panamanian crisis where our military power even in small forms would capture a tyrannical dictator, Manuel Noriega and secure the Panama Canal. This was coined as “Operation Just Cause.” Our troops have also been the first to touch down in places like Bosnia, in efforts to quell civil unrest and secure humanitarian aid for the oppressed people of that country.

There are many other events that have gone unrecorded in history and do not grace the front pages of our paper or make the evening news on television. We all sit comfortably here on the home front enjoying the holiday times with delectable food and lavish gifts. But out there is a soldier, a sailor, marine or airman. Our coasts are guarded by vigilant men and women and now the blackness that fills the area between planets is also under constant surveillance by watchful eyes. This happens not just in December but throughout the year. No break is taken, no minute or second left unguarded. We are free to roam the streets. We can go wherever we choose because in the shadow stands a man or woman clothed in the recognizable uniform of our military. Caution is felt by all those who are near and may decide to cause us harm. But not for us citizens, we feel the strength they lend to us. But that feeling does not come without warning. These warriors will defend your life with even their own, but it may carry consequences. To hold that privilege means we must also have righteousness and respect, because to allow that brave soul to give everything for your safety carries a much higher price than one could imagine, and it can’t be paid with dollars. In keeping with the spirit so aptly held in this month of December and following such strong advice as: “Do on to others as you would have them do on to you,” we will acknowledge our protectors both in and out of uniform, either steadfast between us and danger, or clandestine and secretly keeping observance. And if they show a need for anything at all we should be there to offer it, no matter how much it may cost us, because this is the giving season.

Kirk L. Miller is past Commander of the Chautauqua County American Legion.