Remembering Sacrifice: Memorial Day and the Second Amendment

Remembering Sacrifice: Memorial Day and the Second Amendment

by | May 27, 2024

Remembering Sacrifice: Memorial Day and the Second Amendment

By Billy Wilson, IFC Vice President

As Memorial Day arrives, the nation prepares to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. It’s a day of solemn remembrance, a time to reflect on the bravery and selflessness of the men and women who gave their lives defending the freedoms that we hold dear. Among these freedoms is the right to bear arms, enshrined in the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution.

Memorial Day and the Second Amendment are deeply ingrained in the American consciousness, albeit for different reasons. Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, emerged after the Civil War as a way to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who perished in battle. Over time, it evolved into a day of remembrance for all American military personnel who died in service.

The Second Amendment, on the other hand, has been a subject of contentious debate since its inception. It reads:

 “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”

This single sentence has sparked countless discussions about the meaning of
“the right to keep and bear arms”, and its implications in modern society.

The Connection

At first glance, the connection between Memorial Day and the Second Amendment might seem tenuous. However, both are linked by the broader theme of freedom and sacrifice. The men and women we honor on Memorial Day fought to defend the principles upon which this nation was founded, including the right to self-defense and individual liberty.

For many Americans, the Second Amendment symbolizes the idea of self-reliance and protection against tyranny. It represents the ability to safeguard oneself, one’s family, and one’s community from external threats. Just as our fallen soldiers gave their lives to protect these freedoms on the battlefield, the Second Amendment ensures that citizens have the means to protect themselves in times of danger.

But with this right comes responsibility. Memorial Day serves as a poignant reminder that freedom is not free. It comes at a cost—one that has been paid with the blood of patriots throughout history. Similarly, the right to bear arms carries with it the responsibility to handle firearms safely, to respect the law, and to uphold the principles of a just and civil society.

On Memorial Day, as we gather to pay tribute to our fallen heroes, let us also take a moment to reflect on the enduring significance of the Second Amendment. It reminds us that the freedoms we cherish are not guaranteed. They must be defended and preserved for future generations. As we honor the memory of those who gave their lives for our country, let us reaffirm our commitment to upholding the principles of liberty and justice for all.

JOIN IFC

Billy Wilson
Vice President
Iowa Firearms Coalition
Member’s Field Report

Member’s Field Report

by | Apr 19, 2024

Member’s Field Report

The Member’s Field Report was submitted by a long-time IFC Volunteer.  Enjoy!

“OLLIE-OLLIE-OXEN-FREE”

Children enjoy playing Hide and Seek. As they make their way to Home, the Hiders do their best to not be discovered by the Seeker who would then Tap them OUT. Once they are seen, the kids run as fast as they can to reach Home and then yell out “OLLIE-OLLIE-OXEN-FREE”! It is a “Catch as Catch Can” game. You either Win or Lose, it is pure competition at its best. The lessons learned are valuable.

In our State Capitol, our legislators play the same game. It is easy for those of us around the State to become frustrated by the whole process, and we throw up our hands in despair.

Well, wait a Minute! Iowa has 99 Counties; each one is unique unto itself, and each one represented in the Legislature. I recently had the opportunity to visit one of those Counties and found “OLLIE-OLLIE-OXEN-FREE” in the hundreds!

In Franklin County, in the town of Hampton, Iowans who value Our Republic held a Republican Fundraising Rally featuring several Top Line speakers. The flyer introduces Sheriff Mark Lamb from Pinal County Arizona.

In addition, we heard from Iowa’s Attorney General Brenna Bird and from State Representative Shannon Latham.

Sheriff Lamb told us that our Nation IS facing serious problems. He described the illegal border crossing situation in down-to-earth terms. The illegals pass right on through Arizona on their way to Iowa and other States. We have seen them moving North as we drive to Arizona! The Sheriff made his point clear that we are ALL Border States now!

He discussed the assault on our 2nd Amendment rights. The Sheriff showed us that our country was founded as a Constitutional Republic…we are Not a Democracy! As he spoke about “The Rain” coming down on us, he advised us to Not throw up our hands in Despair! “The Rain” encourages us to do something, to Engage in the battle for our Country. He invoked George Washington several times as a Fighter in “The Rain”!

Sheriff Lamb has Firsthand Experience with these issues facing our Nation. The man knows what he is talking about! It was an informative and interesting program. He noted that our 2nd Amendment Rights are Fundamental to the Nation! He encouraged us to Get Involved!

Iowa’s Attorney General, Brenna Bird, spoke about the challenges we are facing.  She made it clear that “President” Joe Biden never fails to give her an opportunity to sue his administration, which she Gladly looks forward to every day!  The attack on the 2nd Amendment was a Big Constitutional Issue for her. She had to return to Des Moines that evening to deal with yet another lawsuit against the Biden Administration!

 

Agriculture and the Iowans engaged in it are an important part of regaining control of our Nation! The State Representative from North Iowa, District 55, Shannon Latham spoke about the challenges that Farming Communities faced, especially Eminent Domain issues and underground pipelines. She is deeply involved in the Legislative process and The Game of Hide and Seek. She was confident that the Citizens of Iowa would be able to declare “OLLIE-OLLIE-OXEN-FREE” at the end of this session.

We were Greeted warmly after the 90-minute drive North to Hampton Iowa. SURPRISE! There were over two hundred conservative Iowans who value our Constitution and Bill of Rights! The meeting began with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Honor Guard Detail presenting the Flags followed by The Pledge of Allegiance.

Our Fellow Iowans were positive and determined to step forward and take back control of our Nation. We came away from this Rally looking forward to better times!

The Iowa Firearms Coalition (IFC) is major factor in the State Legislative process. Our lobbyist is Richard Rogers, who is known as one of the very best lobbyists in the State. He understands the game of Hide and Seek!

The IFC is working to protect our 2nd Amendment Rights, even as the ATF is now trying to make each of us a Law Breaker. The IFC can Loudly call out “OLLIE-OLLIE-OXEN-FREE”, as they were involved in making our schools safer places through Teacher Firearms Training.

If we follow Sheriff Lamb’s advice…we will step forward and renew our memberships in the IFC. Write our Senator and Representative. Attend a Rally. Pass on the word that “The Rain” encourages Patriots to take action to protect our Homes and Nation. He finished with this thought…. “If You don’t Fight, you won’t Win”. Fight to protect your 2nd Amendment Rights!

I mentioned earlier that Iowa has 99 counties. Every County has a group like those in Franklin County. The IFC supports these Pro-2nd Amendment groups. Every one of these conservative groups is working to protect our Nation so that they can declare – “OLLIE-OLLIE-OXEN-FREE” – and come Home to Our Republic!