Community Chatter - Moving Veteran's Day speech

Thermopolis VFW Post 2281 marked Veteran’s Day last Wednesday at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month with words from the post Quartermaster, Tobi Johansen, as well as the raising of the American Flag with honor guard.

“I want to begin by expressing my gratitude to everyone for joining us, and for giving me the opportunity to speak to you today.

“For the world, for our country, and for our community, 2020 has been an unusually difficult year. From facing the stress and fears of the Coronavirus pandemic, to overcoming the isolation and aftermath of quarantine, for some, it might have been easier to forget about today and make a promise to ourselves to make it up next year with a bigger celebration.

“But, I’m honored that you have taken the time out of your lives to help ensure Veteran’s Day remains a special day.

“Veteran’s Day is a day on which we, as Americans, have a lot to remember. We remember the wars fought to defend, protect and preserve the freedoms we enjoy in this country. We also remember all those who have bravely gone to war and who have given of themselves so that others could live in peace and safety. And, we also remember those who have gone to war and paid the highest price for those freedoms.

“Those of us who care to honor America’s heroes gather together today because we are honoring our sons and daughters, our mothers and fathers, and our brothers and sisters, who are serving on behalf of everyone in our great country, just like the generations of American patriots did before them.

“In the November 1941 issue of our VFW magazine, an editorial regarding our forces mobilizing for World War II said, ‘The people of America area fulfilling their often repeated pledges to the memory of America’s honored dead, men and women who gave their lives to establish this nation and the heroes who have died since 1776 to defend it. They know our democracy will endure as long as we are prepared to defend it with our lives if necessary.’

“Those words have as much meaning today as they did then, and as veterans we understand that wherever there is peace, wherever there is freedom, there is also a threat to them. And as the decades and centuries have passed, generations of men and women have bravely and selflessly heeded the call to serve.

“As Veterans of foreign wars and as members of an organization whose primary mission is to serve and care for those who have served, we understand that Veteran’s Day is a day of deep significance – of opportunity.

“To us, it isn’t just another day, overlooked and ignored. To the more than 1.5 million members of the VFW and our VFW Auxiliary, it is a day to celebrate, a day to honor the millions of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who have selflessly gone whenever and wherever they were called.

“Veteran’s Day also continues to be a day of reflection. I’ve been asked several times in the past to explain what Veteran’s Day means to veterans. As a Veteran, you would think that I would have the ability to easily answer that question without much thought or deliberation. But in all honesty, when I sat down to write these remarks and answer that very question, it wasn’t that easy.

“I thought of my own experiences in the military, compared to those of my parents and grandparents. I thought of all those I served alongside. I thought long and hard about just what it is that links veterans of every era together – what it is that we share not only on Veteran’s Day, but every day.

“I can tell you now that those who have served in the military share common values, and that serving our nation brings with it a special bond that is forged by common experiences. Veterans differ in every way imaginable, but we possess an equal love of our home, family and country. I believe that each of us has a deeper appreciation for ensuring that freedom remains, not just for Americans, but for so many around the world!

“I hope today serves to motivate us all with a renewed sense of patriotism, purpose and pride, for America is truly the BEST country on earth as a direct result of those who serve it.

“Thank you to all my brothers and sisters in arms. Today is our day. Now, let’s enjoy it!”