Edwards' Statement Commemorating America's Veterans

[chimpymustgo]

Tuesday, November 11, 2003

Senator John Edwards (D-NC) released the following statement today:

"For 50 years, Americans have joined together to celebrate our veterans. This year, with conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and the global war against terrorism, Veterans Day feels different. Not only is it a day for every American to thank and celebrate our men and women who serve in the military, but it is also a day of deep reflection and prayer for those Americans who stand in harm's way at this hour.

"More than 400 families have lost a loved one this year, and the sound of taps has echoed across the country. We know that defending democracy and freedom and fighting tyranny brings great rewards as well as the painful risk that some of our soldiers never come home. But still, knowing that many families are listening to the last lone note of taps instead of a familiar hello breaks our hearts every time.

"That is why this year our gratitude and celebration of our veterans means more. We feel more pride at the sight of the town hall greens covered corner to corner with 'Old Glory' and at the local parades. We clap louder for veterans marching passed us decorated in their ceremonial bests, medals and all. And during services, when wreaths are placed at memorials, and at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, our prayers run longer because we are all struggling to find a million different ways to simply say, thank you.

"We stand in awe of those World War II veterans who liberated Europe and saved the Pacific. We salute those who stopped communism at the 38th parallel in Korea. We stand shoulder-to shoulder with those who served in Vietnam. And we applaud our men and women who fought brutal dictators in the Gulf War and the Balkans. To those who stand ready today, we wait for those hopeful words once written by the World War II journalist Ernie Pyle, 'And so it is over' so you can return home.

"And when our veterans do return home, I believe in a powerful bargain between them and their nation. If they work hard to defend our freedom and secure peace around the world, then this country should always take care of them and their families. It is the very least we can give to them for everything they have given to us.

"This bargain is personal. My father-in-law was in the Navy, and in my home state of North Carolina, there are almost 800,000 veterans. These are great Americans who served their country. It is an honor for me to serve them every day in the Senate and to join every American today, on the 11th day of the 11th month, to express our unwavering gratitude for their service to their country."

http://www.JohnEdwards2004.com/page.asp?id=349

Last modified on 11/11/2003 9:40:53 AM 

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[AP]

1. A very subtle condemnation of American imperialism:

"We stand in awe of those World War II veterans who liberated Europe and saved the Pacific. We salute those who stopped communism at the 38th parallel in Korea. We stand shoulder-to shoulder with those who served in Vietnam. And we applaud our men and women who fought brutal dictators in the Gulf War and the Balkans.

Edwards looks up to people who fight fascism and imperialist dictators (well, not sure about N.Korea). He stands next to those who were pawns in America's own fascist impulses in brotherhood and support.

Interesting.

[chimpymustgo]

2. Thanks for your excellent commentary, AP.

There is such decency at the heart of all Edwards' statements.