America is on the brink of massive civil unrest.

The United States is home to more than 18 million veterans, most of whom are seasoned and experienced, even if age has slowed some of us down us down. We may no longer sprint into battle, but our knowledge and skill with firearms remain intact. The government trained us well to combat communists and we are keenly aware of our responsibility to disobey any illegal orders issued by officials. History, notably the Nuremberg trials, has taught us that “just following orders” is never a valid excuse for participating in atrocities.

Veterans understand what is right, and most of us are deeply committed patriots. The political Left dislikes us precisely because we take our oath to protect and defend the U.S. Constitution seriously. We are prepared to vigorously oppose any attempt to undermine or suspend our constitutional rights, including the imposition of martial law. Many veterans have sons and daughters currently serving in the military, who would recognize threats to our freedoms and respond accordingly, even if that means turning their guns on officials who prioritize their own agendas over the American people.

Leftist politicians seem oblivious to these truths as they push relentlessly to dismantle America’s foundations, hoping to rebuild it in a Marxist image. We stand now at a pivotal juncture, with the upcoming election representing a boiling point for our country.

Regardless of the election outcome, a peaceful resolution seems increasingly unlikely. The deep divisions within our nation have reached a fever pitch. Military leadership appears compromised, with generals who have advanced by currying favor with figures like Biden, Harris, Obama, and Clinton. Their loyalty, tragically, seems directed more toward personal gain than toward serving the nation.

With our precious Second Amendment and over 400 million firearms in civilian hands, tyranny will find no easy foothold in America. But the question looms: how high a price, in lives lost, must we pay to defend our freedoms?

Conservatives and veterans alike have prepared for the possibility of a worst-case scenario. We pray that those on the Left realize their dreams of a communist utopia have no place in this nation. If such ideals are what they desire, perhaps they should seek them elsewhere.