Raising Patriots

The 2016 race for the White House is shaping the future of America for the next generation.

On Monday night at the Republican National Convention, Americans heard the accounts of multiple veterans who bravely fought for our freedom — as well as several accounts from the mothers of fallen heroes.

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One of these heroes who spoke was former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, who emphasized the importance of serving this nation under God. He said he believes that “every one of us has to step up in some way.”

Luttrell, as many know, received the Navy Cross and the Purple Heart for his valiant actions in June 2005 when he faced Taliban fighters during Operation Red Wings. He is the lone survivor among the team of SEALs who were ambushed; he spent a total of eight years with the United States Navy. His book, “Lone Survivor,” was made into a 2013 film starring Mark Wahlberg in the title role. The film brings his heroic experience to life, enlightening the American public on the valor of their soldiers.

Today, mothers face the imminent possibility of sending a son to war or sending a son to defend American ideals on our own streets.

“For the next generation, this is for you. Your war is here. You don’t have to go searching for it. Your people are afraid,” Luttrell said, speaking to young Americans.

Parents today must prepare their children for a new challenge — because the next generation will need to defend American principles on our own soil.

“This is for you. Your war is here. You don’t have to go searching for it,” Luttrell said. “Your people are afraid.”

“Not only do the leaders need to step up, but the family [does as well],” explained Luttrell. “The only way we survive this is together and not apart.”

Parents have a unique opportunity to form the ideals of the next generation. Mothers and fathers have the ability to serve from home.

Raising their children to restore peace and protect every life, parents can instill a strong moral compass and a sense of justice in their children.

Related: Boys Look to Their Fathers for This

“I was fortunate enough in life to be born in a patriotic family who taught me to love this country and the people who make her up, unconditionally,” Luttrell said. “To die for any woman, and fight beside any man without hesitation or hopes of individual achievement.”

Luttrell also thanked his family for instilling in him the virtue of patriotism. Through this virtue, he responded to the call and heroically fought for his country.

“The only way we are going to keep America safe is to have an elite military, made up of the warriors and prepared by the toughest training we have to offer,” said Luttrell. He called on our government to strengthen our military and for parents to be the tough trainers of their family.

Related: Why Sons Need Their Mothers So Much

Also during night one of the RNC, America heard from many mothers of fallen heroes, including Pat Smith, whose son died in Benghazi, and Karen Vaughn, mother of fallen Navy Seal Aaron Vaughn.

“I’m here because I raised a son who believed in his country enough to give his life for it,” said Vaughn.

As these and many other outstanding parents and heroes show, parents have the unique and difficult responsibility to raise their children with the patriotism to not only protect their family — but also to die for their country.