Veterans Day, Nov.11, 2008 Remarks at Cider Mill School by Rep Toni Boucher
It is truly a privilege to be with the students and staff of Cider mill school of whom I am so proud for honoring our veterans and for setting such a great example. It is also a privilege to share the same stage with my friend marine corp veteran Mr. Nick Davaztes. Not only is Nick CEO Emeritus of A&E Network , he is the founder of the History channel, a passionate advocate for education and a great patriot, receiving the Marine Corps Historical Foundation Heritage. His own father served in both the Greek and the US army and I am sure, like my dad, instilled in him a sense of duty to one’s country and community.
We thank him for creating a corporate culture that coined the phrase- “From the greatest generation to the latest generation, our veterans deserve our respect and gratitude.”
But most important we are all privileged to be in the company of those we honor today, our veterans, our men and women who served in the military. It is particularly fitting to have this celebration of our veterans here in this school with so many young people. This is a good place to remember our veterans. We owe such a great debt of gratitude to those who served, those who now serve, and those who sacrificed their lives or their health so than we can live free and secure.
Veteran’s Day was first celebrated as a holiday in 1926 to commemorate the end of World War I in 1918. The President issued a proclamation calling upon the officials to “display the flag of the United States on all government buildings on every November 11, inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.” The resolution passed by Congress instructed that “the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations.”
Although the 11th day of the 11th month-- November 1918, marked the cessation of what was then considered one of “the most destructive, bloody, and far reaching wars in human history”, more and even bloodier wars were to follow. My own father never did fully recover from the horrors he experienced in World War II.
A majority of the times we speak about Veterans Day however, our country is at peace. A peace maintained and sustained by our military men and women who voluntarily sign their name on the line to defend this country, with their lives if necessary, from all threats foreign and domestic. By honoring veterans, we remember their valor and we take time to reflect on why they fought.
They fought to preserve the values of America.
They fought because our country asked them to take up arms. They went where they were sent. Did what they had to do. And, prayed they would survive and return home to family and friends.
Some did not. Just a few short years ago, at the most profoundly heartbreaking Hillside service for a beloved son of Wilton, Nick Madaras, we were all overcome by the ultimate sacrifice made by this fine and giving young soldier. As we sought to relieve some of the heartache of family, I reflected on my own inner strength as a mother. Would we be able to bear letting our own sons or daughters go to war or pay the ultimate price. If we believe in this country, we would have to find a way to bare it somehow. We have a responsibility to those who will inherent this place after we are gone. We owe it to Nick and so many others who have given us the ability to enjoy the freedoms that we all, to often, take for granted..
We need to continually remind ourselves that, as Charles M. Province wrote:
- It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press
- It is the Soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech
- It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate
- It is the Soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial
- It is the Soldier who salutes the flag, who serves under the flag and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag
As we honor veterans today – we remember that our freedom did not come easy. On the battlefields of the globe, America’s finest men and women have shed blood and tears.
Must also remember that there is someone at this very moment who is putting their life on the line for us even though they have never met us or know who we are. Not for recognition or reward – but simply because they love America – and they love those who share the burden with them.
So Let us now thank those veterans who are still here. The Men and women who are making a difference now in communities like ours around the nation. We all thank you today and every day |
