You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.

On Memorial Day, some thoughts about civic duty.  

As we know, local volunteer militias supplemented a professional military during and after the American Revolution, but there was no draft until the Civil War, when national conscription was attempted, but met with an angry public uprising.   But drafts in subsequent wars – calling men and women to do their “civic duty” continued until 1973, when military service again became voluntary.  

We at the American Democracy Minute thank all those men & women who have died serving our country, whether they volunteered or were drafted.   We honor your efforts to keep our country free.

We also thank those who died doing their civic duty in other capacities, including teachers, scientists, first responders, health care workers, election workers, government workers and many other critical public professions.   Our increasingly polarized and dysfunctional American Democracy has made these professions increasingly dangerous.   We owe these brave public servants a debt of gratitude, too.

On Memorial Day, it’s not good enough to just fly the flag, go to a parade or leave flowers on a gravestone.   To repay the debt, you need to be involved in your local, state and federal government.  Vote.  Every time.  Volunteer for a local board.   Run for office.  Support causes that help make America a better place.   THAT’s honoring the sacrifice of our fallen.

Granny D said, “Democracy is not something we have, it’s something we DO.” 

For the American Democracy Minute, I’m Brian Beihl.