Posted on 05/27/2003 3:56:47 PM PDT by gc4nra
In honor of today's event, I have prepared a few words of thanks to those who have and are currently serving the United States military.
When you told me you had joined the military, my first thought was how fast you had grown. I reflected on the days of your youth, and mine. And was filled with pride by the fine adult you had become.
When you were called upon to fight the fascist dictator in Europe, a wave of sobriety was cast over me. I tried not to let you know it. I wished you well and prayed for your safe return. While I did not understand what you would face over there, I believed in you. I believed in us. Deep down I knew everything was going to be all right. It had to be. We were doing the right thing. When I wasn't praying or working, I spent my time planning the biggest welcome home party anyone has ever seen.
About twenty years later you were called to Vietnam to fight the Communist evil that prevailed there. You proudly volunteered in honor of those who went before you. I remember you then, so young and full of good spirit.
But while you were fighting evil over there, evil was attacking us over here. Like forbidden fruit, it tasted so sweet. It seemed innocent enough, but it changed me. It changed all of us. And while we were still drunk with the fashionable fruit, evil was unleashed and spread upon us like a cancer.
When you returned from Vietnam, I did not welcome you. You and your good intentions repelled me. As such, I disrespected you and called you names. I did not care that you were sent to fight a war you could not win. I did not care about your pain and injuries. I just wanted more of that fashionable fruit.
Years later, I would come to regret the way I treated you. It was my most shameful moment. The drug had worn off and my eyes were beginning to open.
I came to realize what you already knew. That Americans are not really born free at all. We are born with a debt that cannot be repaid. We owe those who have served our military and fought for our liberties. We owe those who have sacrificed, struggled, and even died. We owe the Vietnam Vets, Korean Vets, and the Greatest Generation - going all the way back to the Revolutionary War. And we can never repay.
On September 11th, 2001, evil attacked us again. Only this time it was not so seductive. You knew what you had to do and did not hesitate to serve your country. I remember you in your uniform. So proud and filled with purpose.
There's a yellow ribbon on the tree in my front yard. And a picture of you in uniform is displayed proudly in my living room window for all of my neighbors to see.
Evil is still attacking us over here for there are some who do not believe. They do not matter to me. Their ignorance is of no consequence. I know what you have done and continue to do.
To the retired officer living comfortably in the twilight of life - I owe you. To the homeless veteran living on the street with your hand-held American flag tucked neatly among your belongings - I owe you. To the twenty-two year-old just returning from the Middle East - I owe you, too.
I know I can never fully repay you for what you have given. But I will give you the honor, support, and public expression of gratitude that you deserve. While you are fighting for me over there, I will be fighting for you over here.
I am wishing you well, praying for your safety, and am planning the biggest welcome home party anyone has ever seen.
I owe a debt that cannot be repaid. But I would like to take this opportunity to say, "Thank you."
There were a number of stirring speeches, but this one stood out! It was written by one of our own, Lady Jen, and, I must say, brought a tear to my eye.
Thanks Jen
I thought you quit using that handle?
Stick with "Bad Henry"!
Fold...
Hmmm... He doesn't look THAT angry, for which we should all give hanks...
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