Veterans Day Speech

The following speech was given by Pastor Gwynn at Tattnall County High School on November 11, 2009. In attendance were 1200 students and 600 Veterans, Active military and their families.

Only someone who has raised their hand and taken an oath of allegiance to our country, to defend, support and represents its standards and creeds really knows what it is like to go into harms way for others. Our military service people, both in the past and now-a-days stand as the primary armor against those who would do our country and way of life harm. They said yes to defend, they put action to their words, and many paid the ultimate price for their oath with death. No nation can truly say they believe in its freedoms if they forget their Veteran’s sacrifices and worth.

You students of Tattnall County High School I draw your attention to the Veterans sitting here today. Many of these Veterans in their youth, ages that match some of you, came face to face with enemies who wanted to destroy them for their stance against Totalitarianism, Nazism, Communism, Terrorism and the like. Your freedom to learn, to protest, and to improve stands strong today because these men and women thought it right, considered it worth fighting for, and made it a reality for freedom to continue in our country. Whether it was World War Two, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq or Afghanistan these Veterans left their homes to embark on unseen adventures that soon turned to horror when the bombs and bullets did their dastardly deeds. These Veterans, men and women, some infantry, some sailor, marine or airman whether a gun wheedling fighter or support personnel soon realized the unmistakable truth that Freedom Ain’t Free!

It takes all ranks and persons to make up a defending force of people who would repel those mind sets that are very contrary to the American physique which loves liberty and cherishes democracy. Our legacy of rights, our devotion to worship as we wish, and our engrained sense of fair play came by way of a veteran. They not only believed in these things themselves, but they exported it to those who could only dream of what it really was.

Even for those who stayed on this continent during their tenure of service their contribution can not be considered less and requires our admiration. You students, we citizens all owe them a debt!

Our country was founded upon the dreams and hopes of people who came to understand that true freedom only comes to those who are willing to pay its price. When the founding fathers of our nation agreed to the words “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.”, they knew that there would be a cause and affect which would touch millions. Those Fathers were not innocent bystanders in the events that would propel them to world notoriety. Their stance against a King and his demands to his power would not permit them to sit and let someone else bring the separation that was required. Our first President was a veteran and would set the example for generations to come as well and said…

“The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were Treated and Appreciated by their nation.”

These Veterans of history came to the conclusion that everything must be on the line and it cemented their resolve with their personal declaration that stated “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” There it is and the crux of the matter when it comes to liberty! A pledge to one another with their lives, a commitment of any fortune that would be held, and an honor that is sacred to anyone who truly understands freedom. The veteran gets it!

When a nation deems it necessary to grasp the gun when the hand of love has been refused it is up to those who understand the great and awesome price that true freedom demands. These veterans, those people who took up the call to arms never thought of thanks or accolades at the moment of oaths. In most cases they never realized the price that would be paid for that simple “I Do!” Yet they went to answer a call to defend, a challenge to deter, and to be a wall against everything that would laugh at freedom and all of its splendid joys.

Is the Veteran really that much different from the non-veteran? Is he or she some kind of mythical hero that comes out when all else fails? Do these seemingly shy and reserved humans walk to a different drum beat; do they hear something others don’t? What makes them who they are?

The Veteran is no different than the non-veteran but in one way: “They said yes”, they went and did their duty to God and Country. They understood that there really are things worth fighting for. They know that when all else fails someone has to do the dirty work. They did the dirty work, they saw loved ones die, they cradled crying and pain struck heads of comrades who slipped from the battle field into eternity. They didn’t want what they were given, but they knew that what they were given was worth some ultimate costs.

Should we be here today? Should we always have these days of remembrances? I say yes, because we are a better people because of their lives. They help make us a nation of solid citizens founded on principals that transcends self and selfish motives and propels us to things that are greater than the “ME” in all of us! Their lives, their sacrifices and their presences make us better and our nation greater!

You Veterans and active duty Military people here today, we thank you! But thank you isn’t enough. We feel inadequate to express our gratitude. We see your ribbons that don’t mean much to us, but some how are in awe to what they represent. We see some of your faces that are wrinkled with age and wonder of your exploits. We see your uniforms and colors and know they mean much to you because we can recognize the pride when you wear them. It touched us; it makes us proud to know you, and helps us to see the worth of duty, honor and country. May God bless you, may your days be long upon this earth and may your memories of our love for you be sweet!

The Veteran©

By Murl Gwynn

Who can say of the cost to be paid?

Who can fathom the depth of fear?

Who can morn when danger draws near?