My grandfather lied about his age to join the U.S. Army at 16 and fight in World War II to defend the ideals of freedom and democracy worldwide. Had he still been alive, he would have been devastated by the events of January 6, 2021, and disgusted by recent efforts to minimize the severity of the crimes committed that day.
I am a patriot and 10-year Coast Guard veteran. I’ve defended my country against enemies, both foreign and domestic. I assisted with enforcing UN sanctions against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, served as a Sea Marshall post-9-11, and protected our shores from the entry of illicit drugs and illegal immigrants.
Of all my service, some of my proudest moments were as a Coast Guard Liaison to the U.S. House of Representatives. My heart would swell with emotion every time I made my way across the National Mall, toward the Capitol, and through the doors of the Rayburn House Office Building. I held with reverence the opportunity to walk the hallowed halls where the work of our nation has safely taken place for over 200 years.
On Jan. 6, 2021, my heart broke as I watched in disbelief and horror a mob of Americans storm our United States Capital, use force against sworn officers, terrorize elected officials, and cause millions of dollars of damage to those same hallowed halls I revere.
As a nation it was hard for us to process these images, including gallows erected within view of the Capital, coming from within our country. Yet, as dark a day as Jan. 6 was, light emerged quickly when Americans, regardless of political affiliation, condemned those actions and affirmed that a bright line had been crossed.
With the third anniversary of Jan. 6 recently passed, some Americans would like us to forget just how egregious the actions of those individuals who stormed the capital were. They would like us to believe the rioters were simply exercising their constitutional rights. Let’s be clear: our constitutional rights do not permit us to assault law enforcement officers, unlawfully enter federal buildings, hunt down with intent to harm elected officials, or vandalize federal property. They do not allow us to attempt to undermine the results of an election we do not like.
If we stand by and allow others to rewrite the events of that day to suit their political interests, we are in danger of permitting future acts of violence against our most valued principles. We must hold firm to the collective outrage we felt in the days and weeks after and use those feelings to fuel our commitment to restoring people’s faith in our government institutions and processes. We must strengthen our muscle to peacefully debate ideas, to participate in civic and political action, and to diligently prevent falsehoods to sit uncontested.
Remaining silent would be more comfortable. But if my grandfather was willing to risk death for democracy, discomfort is the least he, and all those who serve, should expect of us.
