Veteran's Day Essay

11/10/2006

When Francis Scott Key wrote the "The Star Spangled Banner" almost 200 Years ago, he called America "the land of the free and the home of the brave." Those words are as true today as they were then. Through out this Nations history, America's soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coastguardsmen have bravely answered the call to defend our freedom, to aid our friends and allies, and to turn back aggressors. We can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to the more than six hundred and fifty thousand American service members who have died in battle or the 1.4 million who were wounded. But we can, however, recognize and thank the 25 million veterans still living today.

The following words were inscribed on the Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C.:

"Our nation honors her sons and daughters who have answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met."

Those words apply equally to many of our World War I, World War II, Vietnam War, and Gulf War veterans as well. They apply to today's active duty service members - tomorrow’s veterans - who are helping to maintain peace throughout the world.

The price of freedom is high. We can not afford to forget those willing to pay it. Today, it is our privilege to say "Thank you" to all of America's Veterans, to let them know that we appreciate them for their service and honor them for their sacrifices. A while ago I was asked to give this speech. I wondered ... What does Veterans Day mean to me? Ask yourself this question and come up with your own answer. As for me I figured that Veterans Day means everything to me. We probably would not be living the lives we are today, if it weren't for America's service members. I am honored to be in the presence of these heroes. They put themselves in the line of danger to ensure a better life for their families, friends, and neighbors.

Today we celebrate America's Veterans for keeping this nation "the land of the free and home of the brave." Due to these service members we are the land of the free ... BECAUSE of the brave. Thanks to all the veterans who have sacrificed everything to keep the future of America Safe let us not forget those who fell fighting for our country and those still fighting.

In Conclusion I want to end my speech with the words of Harry S. Truman:

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service pf our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices."