I want to extend my gratitude to those of you who chose to serve your country in the armed forces today. I want to congratulate you for coming home, and still being here for me to thank. I want to offer my sympathies for those that you lost, and share your memories of them. I want to thank those of you that lost someone who served, and offer my condolences. I want to thank the children who spent months and years not seeing their mother or father, except in photos, or by video calls. I want to thank the husband and wives that stayed behind, worrying every night about receiving the cruel visitor that tells you that they are gone. Thank you for keeping a place for them to come he to, both physically and emotionally. Many of us lost friends, family, and loved ones. Many of us survived with wounds that cannot be seen. Many have lost senses, limbs, functions, or faculties. And some of us were lucky enough to come home unscathed. We didnt raise our right hands to be heroes, we didnt expect veneration, and we didnt do it for the fame. We didnt volunteer because of oil prices, corporate interests, or for imperialist motives. We did it because of family traditions, patriotic aspirations, or the need to be a part of something larger than our own self interests. We endured pain, exhaustion, deprivation, loneliness, despair, and fear because we wanted to make a difference. We wanted to give something for all those that won us the right to choose our own destiny. I thank you and remember you today publicly, but every day I appreciate you privately.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 21:36:06 +0000
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