The Blog of Champions Part of a Nutritious Breakfast

Obama Speaks At Fort Hood

You all know about the Fort Hood tragedies. On this day before Veterans Day, President Obama went to Fort Hood, and spoke at the memorial service. Take a look:

We are a nation that is dedicated to the proposition that all men and women are created equal. We live that truth within our military, and see it in the varied backgrounds of those we lay to rest today. We defend that truth at home and abroad, and we know that Americans will always be found on the side of liberty and equality. That is who we are as a people.

I've never been to war. I don't plan on ever going into war, or even the Armed Services. I know veterans. I've met them in awe of all they've done, in awe of the sacrifices they have made. I have not, however, known anyone who has died in combat. I don't ever want to know someone who has died in combat. But as an American, I know these 13 soldiers from Fort Hood. I feel the struggle. I feel the pain, even if they can't feel it with me. I sense the sorrow of their family members, even if they can't sense it with me.

We are a nation that endures because of the courage of those who defend it. We saw that valor in those who braved bullets here at Fort Hood, just as surely as we see it in those who signed up knowing that they would serve in harm's way.

I'm not courageous enough to join the Armed Services. I'm not brave enough to risk my life for a greater good. I'm not strong enough, mentally, to deal with war. Which is why the sacrifices these people make are that much more awe-inspiring. They risked their lives for something greater than themselves. They risked their lives to help their neighbor, their friend, their country experience the waves of freedom though their hair, to live in a country free of tyranny. That's what these soldiers did. They put their country in front of themselves. They put freedom in front of themselves.

For history is filled with heroes. You may remember the stories of a grandfather who marched across Europe; an uncle who fought in Vietnam; a sister who served in the Gulf. But as we honor the many generations who have served, I think all of us - every single American - must acknowledge that this generation has more than proved itself the equal of those who have come before.

Our generation has lived up to the precedents of the ones before us. After 9/11, we raced to become better people, better Americans. When the Afghanistan war started (whether you agree with it or not) countless brave American men and women joined the cause. When the Iraq war started (whether you agree with it or not) countless brave men and women joined the cause. They didnt sit back. They didn't say "That's not my problem." They said, "This is our problem, this our moment to shine, and we cannot, we will not, back down." That's the legacy of our generation.

Long after they are laid to rest - when the fighting has finished, and our nation has endured; when today's servicemen and women are veterans, and their children have grown - it will be said of this generation that they believed under the most trying of tests; that they persevered not just when it was easy, but when it was hard; and that they paid the price and bore the burden to secure this nation, and stood up for the values that live in the hearts of all free peoples.

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day. I ask if you, even if you don't know a veteran, to say thanks. To say a prayer for those still fighting. They made the ultimate sacrifice. The least we can do is thank them.

Tweet This Post Digg This Post Reddit This Post

Thanks for returning to The Blog of Champions!

Random Posts