Veteran's Day Speech - 2004

Writer Cynthia Ozick once said,

"We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.

Freedom.

Our Constitution.

A good job.

A wonderful family.

And today we gather on this special day to celebrate yet another that should be on that list - Our military veterans.

Perhaps you came out of curiosity or as a visible sign of respect to a relative or friend or simply because you are a military veteran and this is your day.

By honoring veterans we remember their valor - and we reflect on why they fought.

Veterans fought to preserve the values of America.

They fought to preserve our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

They fought because our country asked them to take up arms. They went where they were sent. Did what they had to do. And, prayed they would survive and return home to family and friends.

Some did not. We remember them with solemn ceremonies every Memorial Day.

However, Veterans Day is for those veterans who are still here. Men and women who are making a difference now in communities like ours around the nation.

Today there are nearly 25 million American veterans less than half of them are over the age of 65.

Look around us. Where are the younger veterans?

Most likely, they are at work right now - making a difference for tomorrow.

They are teachers.

Law enforcement officers.

Doctors. Nurses. Engineers.

Name the skill - you'll find veterans working there.

We understand - that they need to be working today. But, in years to come - when you and I are no longer alive - they will be here. They will not forget us, just as we do not forget those who came before us.

Historically, the celebration of this day is anchored in marking the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 - the time the guns fell silent to end "the Great War."

Despite the Doughboys' dream, it was not the "war to end all wars." Every generation has fought its wars from Pearl Harbor to Baghdad.

The causes have varied, the places diverse, the politics were different. But one thing remained constant - We veterans-Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and CoastGuardsmen - do not fail those with whom we serve.

Take the case of Marine Corporal Lonnie Young of Kentucky. Ambushed in Iraq, he fought to protect his position and his buddies. Eventually he was wounded - but did not stop fighting and taking care of other wounded Marines.

On the Internet, you can find a picture of Young - a bullet hole visible on his back - as he tends to a wounded comrade.

The mainstream media did not report the story - because something like this happens almost every day.

Lonnie Young is simply doing his job - that of a United States Marine.

There is the story of Sergeant Major Michael Stacks whose Special Forces team came under fire. The 48-year old Stacks immediately began firing so that others could escape.

He then led a security force to eliminate the remaining threat. But, the enemy concentrated fire on his vehicle - it exploded-and he was killed.

His brother, a retired Army man, recalled an earlier conversation. Sergeant Major Stacks said simply…"We're doing the right thing."

There are countless stories to be found about the positive efforts of our troops.

These are young men and women - just like we once were - and some of you still are-just like those who came before us were.
We share a strong bond a love of country and a devotion to our comrades.

Marine Corporal Thomas Kuster of California understands that bond. Wounded in Iraq he recovered and as he headed back to his unit he quipped: "They got me once, I figure they won't get me again."
But they did.

Another street fight outside Fallujah. A bullet in the back of his knee. He walks with a limp. Yet, he's back on duty.

His parents begged him not to return. Kuster says with a serious look on his face: "I felt like if I was to go home, I'd be turning my back on my Marines." That's a strong bond. One that we acknowledge … understand … and respect on Veterans Day.

Unheralded men and women - asking for nothing in return - but just doing what needs to be done - just as those who came before them did.

They don't do it for pay.

They don't do it for glory.

They do it because they have been chosen - have been privileged - to pay the price of freedom.

The men and women that I represent - 2.7 million Legionnaires across the nation - understand that abiding love of country and sacrifice for their buddies.

As Legionnaires say when we begin every meeting: "For God and country we associate ourselves together … " It's an association built on a bond of service forged in times of great sacrifice. Nurtured over time by service to community, state, nation, and each other.

As we honor veterans today - we will do well to remember that our freedom did not come easy. On the battlefields of the globe, America's finest men and women have shed blood and tears.

Not for recognition or reward - but simply because they love America-and they love those who share the burden with them.

So, I ask: "Why are we gathered here today?"

I trust your answer will be - because we care.

And yes, Ms. Ozick, we shall never take our veterans for granted.

We shall always remember them.

We are forever thankful to those who served … and those serving today.

So happy Veterans Day to all.

God bless our veterans.

May God continue to bless America!