Being that we are once again marking Memorial Day, the title of this article clearly refers to more than just a Billy Ray Cyrus album. The phrase is generally attributed to Korean War veteran Howard William Osterkamp, who saw ferocious action during the Korean War and made it back home while too many of his fellow soldiers did not. It may have been used even earlier, but it’s an important sentiment to keep in mind on a day when we say “thank you” to those who are no longer around to accept our gratitude.

You shouldn’t need me to tell you the magnitude of the ultimate sacrifice that those we honor made for us, and I won’t repeat the same praises that countless others will be rightly singing today. Instead, I would address a question to every American regardless of their politics, their race, their gender, or any other distinction we might be tempted to draw. Those men and women resting in Arlington and countless other places around the world laid down their lives for us because they believed in America. It’s not simply a large chunk of real estate in North America. It’s a concept embodied in our Constitution. And they thought it was worth fighting and even dying for.

How many of us can say the same today? I’m not implying that everyone should immediately run out and enlist in the military, though we are in serious need of more recruits at the moment. That’s not a lifestyle that’s a good fit for every person. But even in public service and private life, all of our actions have consequences. Each of us has the capacity to be part of the problem or part of the solution.

As we’ve often noted here on this site, much of America appears to be going mad lately. You all know the issues and I won’t drag them out here yet again on this sacred occasion. But we should all ask ourselves if we believe today what the fallen believed when they headed off to battle. Is America still worth fighting for? Are each of us working to restore the country to what it was at its strongest? Or do some of us see America as a fundamentally flawed place that requires some sort of “reboot” in line with a very different vision than the one that was left for us by past generations?

If you’re having trouble answering that question, perhaps it’s a blessing of sorts that our fallen warriors aren’t around to look in your eyes. But if they were, what would you say to them? Was their sacrifice truly worth it? Would you even be able to look them in the eye?

I can’t take credit for this train of thought and line of questioning. I’ve been pondering it since watching Friday’s monologue by Trey Gowdy when he was hosting Fox News Tonight. That was followed by an interview with Joey Jones, a Marine Corps Staff Sergeant (Ret) and wounded warrior. If you missed it, it would be well worth your time to take a look. Particularly on this day. The entire segment is available on Fox News Nation. Even if you’re not a subscriber, they are still offering a free two-week trial which you can cancel after you watch the show if you wish.

With that, I’ll leave you to enjoy the day as you see fit and simply encourage you to take a moment to say “thank you.” The recipients of your gratitude may not be able to respond audibly, but I assure you they can still hear us. Perhaps more of us should keep that in mind in our daily lives.