Legionnaires asked to be the thread that binds the red, white and blue

A packed convention floor of American Legion members stood and saluted retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Special Warfare Operator Britt K. Slabinski as he approached the podium to give remarks at the 105th National Convention in New Orleans on Tuesday, Aug. 27. It was a moment, he shared, that is hard to get used to. But he knows that the salutes were to “all my teammates who were with me that day because their DNA is embedded in this” – the Medal of Honor draped around his neck.

Slabinski, who serves as the president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, received the nations highest honor for his actions in Afghanistan on March 4, 2002, during Operation ANACONDA to rescue teammate Petty Officer First Class Neil Roberts.  

“Not long ago, comments were made that the Presidential Medal of Freedom was somehow greater than the Medal of Honor. I think that while we know the Presidential Medal of Freedom is indeed a prestigious award, it is not earned in the same way,” Slabinski said to a round of applause. “One can in some cases open their checkbook and be given such an honor. But the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest award … it must be earned with a gift from the checkbook of the soul, and that check is deposited in crucible of sacrifice based on a promise of justice and love. As we all know too well, in many cases, that checking account would be overdrawn.

“Yes, I’m incredibly proud and humbled to be a part of this society. I wear this medal, and there is no other like it, for those of my teammates. For my teammates whose very DNA resides inside. For my teammates, for those who cashed their check so that others could live. I’m thankful for them, and I will not fail to hold the line in their name.”

Slabinski was in a room with his fellow veterans who have served their country with dedication and understand the meaning of service and sacrifice. It is that understanding and commitment to country, each other and the ideals of this nation which is all held together by a piece of tapestry – the American flag. “The commitment to the red, white and blue is the thread that holds the fabric of our nation together,” Slabinski said. “Those threads represent we the people of this nation who through justice, sacrifice and compassion keep it strong and whole.

“With this flag comes an unspoken responsibility … we must choose to embody the courage, compassion and justice that the flag demands of us. Wearing the uniform is an act of service, but so too is living by the ideals that the uniform represents. That is our duty as veterans, as citizens and as stewards of this great nation.”

Slabinski shared what, to him, the colors of the flag represent.  

Red – sacrifice. Those who “gave up their dreams so we could fulfill ours. Their lives cut short in defense of liberty and justice have sewn together a future for us all. Their blood, their sacrifice, is a foundation upon which we stand.”

White – compassion and respect. “It is a call to remain pure in our intentions, to extend kindness to our neighbors and to respect the rights and dignity of all.”

Blue – justice. “It is the ideal to do what is right, even when doing right is neither popular nor easy. Justice demands that we act with integrity, that we uphold the laws of this land, that we protect the freedoms that so many have fought and died for. The blue reminds us that while justice may be tested, it must never falter.

“It’s our collective commitment to this country and to one another and to the values we hold dear that keeps this flag flying high,” Slabinski continued. “Without that thread, without our steadfast convictions, the fabric of this nation will unravel.”

Slabinski reminded his fellow veterans that while the uniform may no longer be worn, the call to service for all should remain. That service calls for a commitment to military recruitment to ensure combat readiness, suicide prevention of veterans and servicemembers and food security for active-duty military families who are struggling to meet basic needs.

“No, my teammates, our work and our service is not complete,” Slabinski said in closing. “I challenge all of you to ask, ‘What more can we do to serve our veterans, our country and each other?’ How can we continue to hold together the fabric of this nation just as we did when we first raised our right hands and swore to protect it. The thread of this nation – we the people cannot afford to fray. It is up to us to ensure that the sacrifices of those who came before us are never forgotten. That the values we hold dear are never diminished. That the spirit of service and respect continues to thrive in each generation.

“Let us be the thread that holds together the red of sacrifice, the white of compassion and the blue of justice. Together we can ensure that the fabric of this nation remains strong. That the flag continues to wave proudly, respected by our allies, and if necessary, feared by our enemies.”