January 6th 2021 - We Remember

Four years ago, on January 6th, 2021, the world watched in shock and horror as a violent mob stormed the United States Capitol in an effort to overturn the results of a free and fair election. It was a direct assault. Not just on a building, but on the foundations of our democracy—on the principle that power belongs to the people, expressed through their votes. For those of us who have sworn oaths to protect and defend the Constitution, that day was a stark reminder of the fragility of what we serve.

The Chamberlain Network was founded to unite veterans, military families, and citizens committed to defending democracy, and that mission has never been more urgent. January 6th showed us the devastating consequences of lies and misinformation, of unchecked extremism, and of leaders who choose self-interest over the country they are meant to serve. Political violence is a betrayal of the values that we, as veterans, fought to uphold.

This is why The Chamberlain Network launched our United Pledge for Peace. Words lead to actions, and it is our collective responsibility to reject violence as a tool of political expression. Signing this pledge isn’t just symbolic; it’s a commitment to accountability, to truth, and to a country where differences are settled through debate and elections, not through violence and chaos.

The January 6th attack was not just a one-day event. It was the culmination of ongoing efforts to undermine confidence in our elections, and it stands as a warning that democracy requires constant vigilance. The lessons of that day must guide us forward: to strengthen our democratic institutions, to protect the integrity of our elections, and to foster a culture of respect and responsibility.

As veterans, we know that service doesn’t end when we hang up our uniforms. It continues in how we lead in our communities and how we stand up for what is right. Today, The Chamberlain Network calls on every American to renew their commitment to preserving this great experiment in self-governance. Join us in rejecting political violence, in defending democratic principles, and in working to ensure that future generations inherit a nation worthy of their trust and sacrifice.

January 6th revealed the worst of what can happen when democracy is taken for granted. But the work we do now—the work of standing up, speaking out, and taking action—can ensure it also becomes a turning point. Together, we can show that democracy is not a fragile thing, but a resilient one, strengthened by the commitment of those who believe in it.

Let’s honor that commitment, as Americans, as citizens, and as leaders. Let’s defend democracy, not just today, but every day.

Chris Purdy
Founder and CEO, The Chamberlain Network