Veterans Day, November 11, 2008

An auspicious day today, this Veteran’s Day. We just saw the first African American President elected last week as the country is entering the throes of a recession, with global implications. Bad news just seems to continue to pile on as the global economy has been indelibly affected by the mortgage meltdown which started here.

As we look to the future, we pause today to remember the countless men and women, past and present, who selflessly surrendered their rights, their comforts and their personal liberty for those of us fortunate enough to be born here as an American. Most Americans, while they honor and revere these men and women, the humblest servants of freedom, will not, and can not fully fathom or appreciate what Veterans have done, are doing and will do in the future for our security and freedom. Words cannot adequately explain the hardships they endure. The angst of the unknown, the bitter taste of fear in the back of their parched throats. The sting of sweat in their eyes as they stand post in some far-away land. The long arduous days frought with danger. The sleepless nights on patrol or manning a fighting position. The constant change of duties and environment, usually hostile. The pain of missing loved ones they left behind and the time they miss their children as they grow so quickly. The pride of loving their brothers and sisters in arms with a love and steadfast dedication none but them can understand. Too often they are the pawns in political struggles in Washington. They endure these hardships not because they enjoy it, or even want to. They do it because they are called to serve something greater than themselves. They would no sooner complain about their circumstances than they would abandon a comrade in need. Oh sure, they may commiserate together, but more often than not, they get together and celebrate what they HAVE together, and remember the joys of home, longing for their return.

All these things they carry with a solemn pride, and an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, against all enemies, foreign and domestic. An oath all hold dear and take very seriously. An oath they enter into FREELY, as a volunteer, and periodically will re-affirm this oath on the event of their re-enlistment. Perhaps this is why so many of us cannot understand how someone, grievously wounded, feels an over- whelming amount of guilt because his buddies are still in danger and he is not there. He can’t wait to get back to them, even if he has lost a leg. Courage. Is there a greater display of courage than someone wounded so badly, so as to put him so close to death, but all he can think about is getting back to his unit? I would do anything for my family; most people would, but few can conceive doing it for someone they only know professionally. Would you run into a burning office to save your boss or a co-worker, knowing you might not make it out? Few of us can say yes. Yet that is exactly what a soldier does every day in a combat environment. To be out there, on the cutting edge, to make a difference. To not let his buddies down. To sustain the mission and achieve victory. That is what makes a soldier do his duty. To win- because he knows the price of failure is too heavy a price to pay.

I chuckle to myself when I see Katie Couric or Diane Sawyer ask incredulously how a wounded soldier could possibly WANT to go back? These wonderful reporters with their pre-conceived notions about the war, about what is right and about the President. They just cannot begin to understand the word that describes what binds these soldiers together: COMMITMENT.

Commitment comes in many forms- commitment to your spouse to forsake ALL OTHERS, commitment to your job to do your best, commitment to your God to keep Him holy and give Him all honor and blessings, a commitment to be the best American you can be.

Unfortunately, commitment too often is a punchline in a joke: men are afraid of commitment. Ha ha. "They're getting a divorce." "Oh, that's too bad." Guess they weren’t committed to each other, huh? Isn’t it amazing how we can enter into a commitment so easily when everything is going our way and we are comfortable? Anyone can do easy. But what happens when there is a bump in the road? It’s the challenging things in life that are most rewarding and give a true measure of a person. This is the fundamental reason people who lay their lives on the line for people they don’t know have such a strong bond with each other.

Say what you will about President Bush. I think he has been judged extremely harshly. And in some instances, for good reason. His fiscal policies have allowed the government to expand at the rate of a supernova, lending in part to the economic crisis. But he entered into a very difficult situation, and has led us through one of the darkest hours of our nation, and has since kept us safe. He led from the front and set the tone, staying committed to winning and completing the missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Now, his successor has been clamoring for an exit from Iraq for a political win and show he is a uniter. A uniter of what? Nations overseas who have and always will hate us? Hate us for our wealth? I want our nation to be revered by all, but if you think for 2 seconds I give a tinkers damn about what some P.O.S. socialist from Europe thinks of America, think again.

Mr Obama, if you want to unite something, unite the United States of America again! Support our troops, and commit to them your steadfast support and vision for a strong defense of our nation and ideals Mr Obama. Show those of us who believe the Constitution is a work of art, not a living, breathing document that got it all wrong, that we are the beacon of light for the rest of the wordl. Stop apologizing for our position in the world. Start defending all Americans, just as the select few soldiers we celebrate today defend you.

Commit to the soldiers coming home they did not sweat in vain and did not lose brothers and sisters in vain for a cause you are so seemingly prepared to abandon. Commit to them you will not leave Iraq until they are good and ready to defend themselves.

An auspicious day, indeed. May God Bless us and keep us, may He make his face shine down on the United States, and may God also shine his blessings on the new President to guide him through the challenges that await him on inauguration day.

As always, remember this: If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a veteran. Not just today, but any day you see one.

My thanks to all of you out there who have served, and those who continue to serve. I ask for a special blessing for you and your loved ones.

U.S.A. This We'll Defend
U.S.N. Semper Fortis- Always Strong
U.S.M.C. Semper Fidelis- Always Faithful
U.S.C.G. Semper Paratus- Always Prepared
U.S.A.F. Above All

And just in case you missed that- yeah, the ARMY has the same initials as the United States! Hooowuh!