From the American Revolution to today, U.S. service members have sworn an oath to defend our Constitution against all enemies. This past Memorial Day, we honor those who gave their lives in that service — those who sacrificed all their tomorrows for our country and our freedoms. The military oath begins: “I do solemnly swear/affirm that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic ... So help me God.”

That responsibility does not fall on soldiers alone. It is our collective duty to protect the Constitution and the freedoms it guarantees, especially when they are under threat. Today, those threats are real. Freedom of speech: Students are being detained or stripped of visas for writing op-eds or protesting the war in Gaza where tens of thousands of civilians including children are being slaughtered. Freedom of the press: The FCC is investigating major networks like CBS, NBC, NPR, and PBS. The White House, not the independent White House Correspondents Association, now controls which news outlets are in the press pool and have close access to the President. Due process: People are being arrested without warrants and deported without hearings, violating their constitutional rights afforded to all people in the U.S.

If we truly honor the fallen, we must also honor the Constitution they died to defend. That means staying informed, speaking out, and engaging in civic action. Freedom is not free.

Kristan Bakker

Leverett