Veterans Day 2008 (article) by Cliff McDuffie on AuthorsDen

We need to be more aware of those who have offered their lives so that we may do as we do. Veterans Day 2008 In 1320, six years after Robert the Bruce defeated Edward II at Bannockburn Scotland an appeal was sent to the Pope to stop supporting the English and recognize Scotlands independence. In that appeal were these words �AS long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any condition be brought under English domination. It is in truth not for glory, nor for riches, nor for honor that we fighting, but only and alone for freedom, which no man surrenders but with his life.� This �Treaty of Arbroath� was instrumental in the writing of our own �Declaration of Independence� in 1776. When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. That is the opening statement of our Declaration of Independence. We have fought the English, the Spanish, the French, the Mexicans, the Germans, Koreans, Vietnamese, Iraquis, AlQuaida, Taliban and probably others that we are not privy to know about. Throughout our brief history there have been many Americans who have given of their lives, limbs and minds so that not only can this country remain free but that possibly nations around the world will follow our example and free their people as we have done. Today is the day that we recall all these battles and recognize all those Veterans who have stepped forward to help defend this country and those who wish to be free around the world. Our hats are off to you and our hearts go out to you. Our defenders of liberty��..we thank you. As we look to a new President of this country. I hope you will encourage him, as well as our members of congress, to look more carefully at the care given or more appropriately not given to those men and women who have paid a price to be on the front lines defending this nation. We need to be more concerned with the health care of those who protect us and make sure that when they are called to defend our freedom that their jobs are open to them when they return home. Enjoy the parade this afternoon, cherish our freedom, pay tribute to those who served that you may stand here today. God bless our men and women in uniform, our veterans and God bless the USA. Thank you.

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