A Call to Courage

Today is Election Day—a day that embodies the courage and hope at the heart of our democracy. We started this project and named it after Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain to show that veterans stand firmly behind the promise of America. Elections, like the one we participate in today, reflect that spirit. Even in challenging times, we know that our nation’s resolve is stronger than the forces that seek to divide us. President Lincoln once urged us to heed the better angels of our nature, reminding us that America’s greatness lies not in military power or wealth, but in our faith in one another.

Chamberlain and the leaders of his generation were the last to have living memory of those who fought in the Revolution. They understood that the flame kindled by the “Heroes of 1776” needed to be safeguarded, as it was a direct inheritance. That’s why, even in the midst of the Civil War, President Lincoln didn’t shy away from democracy; he leaned into it. Despite the divisions and uncertainty, he led this nation to free and democratic elections. Those elections helped our nation endure its darkest days and preserved the foundation of our country.

Today, we face our own challenges. Polarization is at an all-time high, and our democratic institutions are being questioned and tested in unprecedented ways. In times like these, it’s a radical act of courage to vote, to believe in the process, and to trust that our voices matter. Voting is an affirmation of our faith in each other and a statement that we refuse to let fear dictate our choices.

The truth is, we don’t know what tomorrow holds. There are those who seek to amplify that uncertainty, to turn our fears into division for political gain. But when we vote - when we participate in the political process - we’re standing against that fear. We’re saying that our hope in the future and our belief in one another is stronger than any doubt or division that may arise. That’s courage.

So today, make your voice heard. Cast your vote, and encourage others to do the same. In the spirit of Chamberlain’s steadfast courage, stand shoulder to shoulder with your neighbors at the polls and protect the promise of our democracy. By voting, you’re honoring the legacy of freedom that generations of Americans have fought to preserve, ensuring that the values of representative government endure.

Essayons,

Chris Purdy