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Thank you to the more-than 2.5 million soldiers who have signed on the line and given everything for this country throughout its history– and the countless families that have had to endure the stress between contact from their loved ones, and the awful news when it came.
We can all argue about whether or not wars were justified, but the spirit in which our young soldiers signed up– knowing full well the possible outcomes– their dedication, their work, and their sacrifice– is not outshined.
Each one who gave everything for the idea of freedom reminds us that we should embrace and protect liberty against tyranny here at home with our votes, just as so many have signed up to do with their bodies.
I am originally from Jacksonville, Florida– a town that had a whopping THREE naval bases. I have had countless friends sign up, have lost lifelong friends thanks to war, and I have had many other friends disabled. I am certain I am not the only one. You will all be remembered today.
To our vets who made it back: Thank you, and I am glad you are here with us.
To those whose lives were taken from them in the gruesomeness of war: You are dearly missed, and will be forever remembered for our happier times together. This day is for you. Thank you.
But don’t make this a day of mourning, make it a day of remembrance. I know my lost friends wouldn’t like today to be dreary. They’d want to be remembered in the same fashion in which we knew each other: Having a beer with friends and some burgers or dogs from the grill. And that’s how I’ll be spending today.
