Veterans Day Speech by Rutherford County Commissioner David Hunt
If you missed the Lake Lure Veterans Day Program or just want a chance to read Rutherford County Commissioner David Hunt's message from that day...here it is.
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
I’d like to start today by thanking all those among us who, placed their lives at personal risk, made the sacrifice, and raised their hands to serve, defend and protect our beautiful country, The United States of America. I’d like to thank our veterans, active-duty service members, guardsmen and reservists who have honorably served. Your service has helped keep our country and its citizens safe and free.
If you’re able, please stand to be recognized.
I’d like to also take a moment to acknowledge those families of service members and veterans who help shoulder the weight of service and the burdens of sacrifice. To the mothers, fathers, spouses and children of our military men and women—thank you. Your love, support and resilience are the backbone of this nation, and likely you don’t hear the appreciation often enough. Thank you.
Veteran’s Day. The thought of honoring our service members is recognized as having happened one hundred and four years ago -today- on a cold Monday morning in 1918. It was on the 11th hour of the 11th day, of the 11th month, the guns of the world fell silent. An armistice was signed in Europe, and the Great War was over. --- Unfortunately, World War I was not the “war to end all wars,” as all had hoped.
Veterans Day 2022 finds us a nation involved in foreign conflict. Our American sons and daughters continue to answer the call to support and defend our nation and our freedoms by serving around the globe in places like Iraq, Europe, Asia and the Seven Seas. There is no mystery behind the endurance and the success of our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines & Airmen. In every generation, from the Revolutionary War to this very hour, brave Americans have stepped forward and served honorably in the Armed Forces of the United States. Every one of you who have served honorably, deserves the admiration of our entire country.
OF NOTE: Our Active-Duty service members and future Veterans are not only responsible for defending this nation during time of war, --- It is the imposing presence of our -Great Military- that has acted as a deterrent to would-be aggressors world-wide. --- To put it another way - The veterans of our United States Military have not only fought wars, they deserve our gratitude for *Preventing Them*
Quoting the words of Gen. Douglas MacArthur;
“The soldier above all other people, prays for peace.”
Veterans are recognized as men and women who have, or are currently serving in America's Armed Forces. Today, Veterans Day is a celebration to honor all of America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. It is also a day for reflection--for remembering those who have gone before us.
Whether you wear the uniform today, or wore it decades ago, you, the veteran, represent a fundamental truth. It's not the powerful weapons that make our Military the greatest in the world. It's not the sophisticated aircraft, Smart bombs, missiles, rockets, satellites and cyber technology systems that make us the most advanced. The true strength of our Military is the spirit and skill of our Service Members--and the true strength of our Armed Forces is seen in the men and women who *have worn* and those who currently wear the various uniforms of our nation's military.
Military service is not for the faint of heart. Most civilian jobs do not require risk to life or limb. No other occupation subjects its employees to serious charges for disobeying their orders. Unlike members of the military, civilians can live wherever they want and can quit whenever they want. Military Service means writing a blank check to our country. A blank check that is guaranteed in any amount up to and including your life, to the United States of America. No other job can match that special kind of commitment. The interests of our Nation -always- come first and our service members are deployed to make that happen.
Service above all. There is the pride of serving a cause far greater than any personal self-interest, and the nobility of protecting and serving our nation. Every man and woman who has worn a United States military uniform is part of a long, unbroken line of achievement and honor.
No- other- single- military power in history, has done greater good, shown greater courage, liberated more people, or upheld higher standards of decency and valor than the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
Veterans and Service Members are part of a legacy to be very proud of. And those of you who contribute to this legacy must never be taken for granted. To honor our veterans, we must continue to keep the promises we have made. We must care for those who were injured in the service of our country. We must support the families of our deployed Service members. We must honor and remember those who have died.
For well over 200 years, America has relied on our stable and secure sentry - the U.S. Armed Forces to be her shield and sword and defender of liberty – On the Ground, by sea, in the air, in the vastness of space - and now cyberspace, defending our nation against those who would do us harm.
Our veterans who have passed the torch, and current service members have continued to demonstrate the vital role they play in joint operations around the world. Today, the story of the service as veterans of our great nation is carried on by a new generation of dedicated, courageous Service men and women who serve in all branches of the military--and all who support them.
The Veterans Administration tells us that there are approximately 19 million U.S. veterans who are still with us today. ---That’s Great!
Veterans are a diverse group represented by men and women of every economic, ethnic and religious background. Many serve their communities as first responders, teachers, health care workers or church leaders. Some are business owners, farmers, company workers or retirees. They come from every state and territory but are bound by one common commitment – to defend America with their life if called upon. From fighting terrorism, defeating fascism, veterans have a record of remarkable accomplishment throughout our nation’s history.
Our Veterans continue to serve long after they take off their uniform. We see them across the nation supporting our troops and their families when they go to war; They welcome service members when they come home from deployment; They volunteer and serve in jobs that give other veterans the care they deserve; and when America's heroes are laid to rest, Veterans are there as a reminder of selfless service, sacrifice, courage and vast contributions to our grateful nation.
Veterans, you have done your duty--to your families, to your communities, to your fallen comrades, and to your country. You have honorably served your nation with great distinction. And we can never say it enough--for your service in war and in peace--thank you and may God bless you.
Thank you for taking the time to honor our heroes. God bless you; God bless our veterans; and, God bless the United States of America.
THANK YOU
