The United States Declaration of Independence states the following, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. These ideas, these rights, these privileges, are ones I work very hard to never take for granted. In a time when we are becoming increasingly divided as we challenge each other on how we each feel; the government should protect those rights.
I find we forget that it is not just the collective government that protects these rights but individual people - soldiers. Men and women who have fought and continue to fight for these liberties.
Several years ago, I found myself sitting around a Shabbat table with friends. It was a colorful and dynamic meal with good food, good company, much singing, and great conversation. Despite our better judgment, we brought up the topic that most say should be avoided on Shabbat - politics. While we had different opinions, we were all respectful and listened to each other. Then someone at the table brought up the aforementioned rights listed in the Declaration of Independence which led us to government policy and finally to our military. It just so happened that there was someone at the table who was currently serving in the US military.
While I don't remember who started the political conversation that Shabbat, I do remember the feeling I got from that soldier and others who have served. They often feel devalued, unrecognized, or forgotten. This sentiment stuck with me and it is what propelled me to create a music video where I cover musician Ed Sheeran’s song Photograph, as my way of paying tribute not only to the soldiers and vets I know but to all those who have served our country and fight for our liberties.
Thank you to those who have given so much to so many.
