Actor Chris Pratt shared a powerful Memorial Day sentiment about our country, its detractors, and those who have given their lives so that we have the right to complain.
Pratt shared images on Instagram of fallen U.S. veterans being mourned by their loved ones, originally posted by veteran and former MMA fighter Tim Kennedy.
Pratt detailed all of the good that American servicemen and women have accomplished throughout history, “From the Union Army defeating slave owning confederates, to the Greatest Generation and her Allies vanquishing the Nazis or our special operators hunting down the perpetrators of 9/11,” while praising the bravery and sacrifice those who have suffered and died for those causes.
He thanked them for having “given us the most free and decent society planet earth has ever seen,” noting the importance of not only remembering, but teaching the next generation.
“We run the risk of losing that decency when we fail to instill gratitude in the minds of our youth or the perspective of what it actually means to be free- should they never learn of the selfless sacrifice of our armed service members in the face of oppressive evil,” he wrote.
Pratt called out those who would use his Memorial Day post as a chance to complain about the country, reminding them that their very right to criticize America is owed to the soldiers of past and present.
“If you use the comments section on posts like this to b*tch and moan about America please understand there are countries in the world where criticizing your government will get you killed or imprisoned. Criticism is a right and necessity in amending the flawed systems of man. So by all means, let your voice be heard. But never forget your right to free expression is paid for in blood,” he wrote.
The “Parks and Recreation” and Marvel actor has long faced substantial criticism for his public Christianity, outspoken support of America, and an apolitical public image in a time when celebrities are expected to endorse leftist politicians and positions. Despite the woke mob attempting to use faith and patriotism as evidence of conservatism, he claims to not identify with either the left or right, but instead hope for consensus rather than polarization or hate.
