When we say “freedom isn’t free,” that includes those of us who live in communities such as Montgomery County. We are just two generations removed from World War II, where folks including my grandfather—a resident of Chevy Chase—wore our nation’s uniform to make the world safe for democracy.
The security of residents of this county is wholly dependent on men and women who are willing to fight and die for families like mine. One of those men is our governor, Wes Moore.
This week, the New York Times published an article indicating that Moore (D) listed that he’d received the Bronze Star on an internship application almost two decades ago but he had not been awarded the medal. The article makes clear that Moore’s commanding officer had recommended him for the honor, formally signed off on it, and encouraged him to include it in the application.
Make no mistake: Anyone who puts on the uniform of the United States is a patriot deserving of our gratitude. And Moore didn’t just wear the stars and stripes on his chest, he put his own life on the line in an active combat zone, as my colleague Will Smith noted in MoCo 360. When our national anthem speaks of the home of the brave, we are speaking about folks like Moore.
We should be clear-eyed about where Montgomery County fits into this story. Like many urban, affluent jurisdictions, less than 5% of Montgomery County residents have ever served in our armed forces—the lowest percentage in the state. Compare that to rural, less affluent St. Mary’s County, where almost 13% of residents are veterans.
What does that mean? It means that by and large, it’s not Montgomery County’s sons and daughters who are doing the fighting. It’s folks like Moore who, though born in Takoma Park, was raised by a single mother under modest circumstances in the Bronx, New York.
And so when it comes to patriots who are willing to sacrifice themselves to keep my Montgomery County family safe, I’m not focused on medals. I’m focused only on showing my deep-seated appreciation for their courage.
I am thankful for Gov. Wes Moore’s honorable service. Our county should be as well.
State Sen. Jeff Waldstreicher (D-Dist. 18) represents Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Wheaton, Kensington, Rockville and Garrett Park.