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.