A Greater Cause - Veterans Day
11-11-2009
11-11-2009
It all started in 1919 when Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day. President Wilson did so in honor of the First World War, which officially ended during the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918. On November 8, 1954, Congress voted to extend the commemoration of November 11th to honor all veterans - this is what would become Veterans Day.
On this day, we gather to recognize and to show appreciation to all veterans who have served our country - both in the past and today. We must think of the many Americans who leave their homes and families, and travel thousands of miles to represent freedom on behalf of the homeland.
Almost 1.5 million Americans currently serve on active duty and 850,000 serve in the reserves. These men and women all decided to enter the military for different reasons; however, becoming a soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, or serving in the Coast Guard and sacrificing for one’s country is the most honorable job anyone could ever have.
I understand the harsh effects of war, and I stand strong with the millions of Americans who oppose war as a first choice when faced with international opposition. However, I do understand that there are legitimate times for war, too.
During the 2004 Democratic Convention, Barack Obama said it the best:
“When we send our young men and women into harm’s way, we have a solemn obligation not to fudge the numbers or shade the truth about why they’re going, to care for their families while they’re gone, to tend to the soldiers upon their return, and to never ever go to war without enough troops to win the war, secure the peace, and earn the respect of the world.”
Currently, America is in the middle of two wars: Iraq and Afghanistan. We have lost thousands of Americans to the hands of terrorists whose sole purpose is to destroy America. We must stand strong for our troops, even while embracing the opinion that invading the Middle East was an absolute mistake.
We, as a nation, must push through this time; we must join together and express to our representatives, President, and even the youth of today, the price that is being paid by our veterans on our behalf. Many of our veterans come home with limbs missing, little or no medical treatment, and increased mental instability. These men and women are our neighbors, friends, family, co-workers, and classmates; they sacrifice for you and me, and we must never take the job they do for granted.
Please join me today in saying thank you to all of our veterans and their families, and those who are currently serving the United States of America. We are free today only because of your courage, sacrifice, and will to stand for a cause greater than yourselves. May God bless our troops, and may God bless the United States of America.
On this day, we gather to recognize and to show appreciation to all veterans who have served our country - both in the past and today. We must think of the many Americans who leave their homes and families, and travel thousands of miles to represent freedom on behalf of the homeland.
Almost 1.5 million Americans currently serve on active duty and 850,000 serve in the reserves. These men and women all decided to enter the military for different reasons; however, becoming a soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, or serving in the Coast Guard and sacrificing for one’s country is the most honorable job anyone could ever have.
I understand the harsh effects of war, and I stand strong with the millions of Americans who oppose war as a first choice when faced with international opposition. However, I do understand that there are legitimate times for war, too.
During the 2004 Democratic Convention, Barack Obama said it the best:
“When we send our young men and women into harm’s way, we have a solemn obligation not to fudge the numbers or shade the truth about why they’re going, to care for their families while they’re gone, to tend to the soldiers upon their return, and to never ever go to war without enough troops to win the war, secure the peace, and earn the respect of the world.”
Currently, America is in the middle of two wars: Iraq and Afghanistan. We have lost thousands of Americans to the hands of terrorists whose sole purpose is to destroy America. We must stand strong for our troops, even while embracing the opinion that invading the Middle East was an absolute mistake.
We, as a nation, must push through this time; we must join together and express to our representatives, President, and even the youth of today, the price that is being paid by our veterans on our behalf. Many of our veterans come home with limbs missing, little or no medical treatment, and increased mental instability. These men and women are our neighbors, friends, family, co-workers, and classmates; they sacrifice for you and me, and we must never take the job they do for granted.
Please join me today in saying thank you to all of our veterans and their families, and those who are currently serving the United States of America. We are free today only because of your courage, sacrifice, and will to stand for a cause greater than yourselves. May God bless our troops, and may God bless the United States of America.
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