Freedom is not free.
Veteran, you know that better than anyone. Each of you gave up something for our freedom.
For some it was leaving home, the familiar place where you felt safe; for others it was saying goodbye to beloved family and friends.You fought with courage to protect your people, you believe in freedom so strongly that you risked your life to save it.
Your sacrifice grants us the opportunity to call this great country “home.” So you, veterans, are the backbone of our freedom. We believe in you because without you we could not even hope to enjoy the liberties we experience. We choose to honor you because you are deserving of it.
You don’t seek fame or recognition, you don’t ask anything in return for your service, but you humbly support the American people–people who often forget the dear cost of freedom.
Now you are here, as we take this day to honor veterans. We can never repay you men and women for the sacrifice you have made, but we will try to give you honor, respect, and unending gratitude, not just today, but for the rest of our lives.
We will do so by making the most of our lives, not selfishly, but using the freedom you bought to better the lives of everyone around us. We will model our decisions after your brave, bold, humble example.
There are no words strong enough to tell you how we feel, so I simply say, thank you.
John Wayne once said, “Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” You menandwomendisplay exemplarycourage,and we honor you today