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Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Today, in the 11th month, of the 11th day, at the 11th hour, we honor the Veteran’s who served this great country for the freedom of all Americans. What an honor it is to be in the presence of those men and women who have served this great nation. I will never tire of coming to these events, nor be able to hold back tears as I hear their stories and the playing of patriotic music. These Hero’s deserve our respect and the words “Thank You” from our mouths. So I say, “Thank You, and may God Bless you.”
The ROTC posted the Colors and opening prayer was given. The American Legion Commander James Wolf introduced the various speakers. The guest speaker was Steve Whitesell, V.F.W. Commander, who recently spent a tour in Afghanistan. The following is that speech:
Steve Whitesell Speech
Hello everyone. My name is Steve Whitesell. I was asked by Jim to come and say a few words today because I just recently returned from a tour in Afghanistan. I have been in the Army a combined 10 years. I have served active duty and I am currently a Staff Sergeant in the Illinois Army National Guard.
“In Afghanistan I was part of the 33rd Brigade Combat Team. I was assigned to Delta Company and our mission was Security Force. We were stationed at Camp Phoenix which is near Kabul. Our mission was to ensure the security of the Camp and everyone that was there. Our daily duties included : guard duty , mounted combat patrols , dismounted combat patrols and rapid reactionary force.
Too some war is what they hear about on tv and what takes place on the other side of the world. To me and many others it represents a time in our lifes, that we gave up, to honor the pledge we gave to America and the people of America. I ask that everyone separate the war from the warriors. Believing we should not be in a conflict doesn’t mean not supporting those that have served. On this day especially, we are not republicans, democrats or liberals. We are Americans thankful for the veterans who have served to ensure the freedom of this great nation.
While we are all thankful for our veterans at times many wonder exactly what a Veteran is. A veteran is many things to many people ,but to me I describe a Veteran as such. A Veteran can be a man or a woman. A Veteran can be black , white , yellow or brown. A Veteran can be the CEO of a huge corporation or a farmer in a rural community. A Veteran is someone who at some point in their life cared enough to put on a service uniform and sacrifice part of their lives for our great nation. A Veteran maybe sitting or standing right next to you and you don’t even know it.
Today is Veterans day. A day set aside to remember all those who have served and those who are still serving. We take this day to reflect on our past experiences and to think of those who even now are earning the title veteran. I encourage you to remember what today is as you go about the rest of your day. I now would like to thank every Veteran that has served one day in the military. I thank you for your honor , your courage and your love of God and country. I would also like to think the American Legion for hosting this event and honoring all Veterans.
I would like to end with this. There is a Bible verse that has been used in many different forms. It has been used in songs and poems. The verse goes ‘ Greater love hath no man , than to lay down his life for a friend. ‘ “
May God bless the United States of America and all her veterans.
Thank you.
Veteran’s Prayer
O Lord, we pause to remember on this Veterans Day the men and women of our Armed Forces, who have served this country at home and abroad during the years of our nation’s independence.
We pray for all veterans, those in good health and those wounded still in hospitals around the world fighting to regain their health. We pray for those still held as prisoners of war on foreign soil, or who are listed as missing in action. Truly all of these veteran’s are America’s first and finest citizens - they’ve proven it.
We recommend them to you, Heavenly Father, those who have left for us a priceless heritage which serves as part of the life and freedom we now enjoy.
We ask this in Your Name. Amen
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