Today, America honors the men and women of our Armed Forces who have safeguarded and protected our country for 237 years. Over the course of our history, millions of men and women from all walks of life and background have distinguished themselves by their service in uniform.
In the words of Father Dennis Edward O’Brien, USMC:
“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 organizer, who gave us the freedom to demonstrate;
It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.”
The dedication, devotion, hard work and sacrifice of our soldiers and veterans have been the foundation of our nation, have secured our form of government, our rights as a people and have helped many others around the world to be free from tyranny and oppression.
Today, we salute all of the brave men and women, past present and future, and their families, who have and will demonstrate their commitment to the principles that have made this country great.
Mike Berlon
Chairman