Obama’s Memorial Day
Standing alongside Governor Bill Richardson in front of the spectacular Organ Mountain Range in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Barack Obama held a town hall with New Mexico vets this Memorial Day. He delivered prepared remarks and then took questions about their concerns - including the issue of private contractors in Iraq, the VA system, foreign language training, PTSD, and helping vets get on their feet when they return from service.
Recently rival John McCain brought up Obama’s lack of military service when responding to the Democrat’s criticism on the floor of the US Senate of McCain’s objection to the GI Bill. Just this past Saturday night, Obama responded to the attack. “I think the notion that somehow I can’t speak out on behalf of veterans because of the fact that I didn’t serve makes no sense whatsoever. I didn’t serve as many people my age because Vietnam was over by the time I was of draft age and you know we had then moved to an all volunteer army but obviously I revere our soldiers and want to make sure they are being treated with honor and respect,” he told reporters traveling on his campaign plane.
During today’s event, Obama made note that he has not served. “I speak to you today with deep humility. My grandfather marched in Patton’s Army, but I cannot know what it is to walk into battle like so many of you. My grandmother worked on a bomber assembly line, but I cannot know what it is for a family to sacrifice like so many of yours have. I am the father of two young girls, and I cannot imagine what it is to lose a child. My heart breaks for the families who’ve lost a loved one. These are things I cannot know. But there are also some things I do know. I know that our sadness today is mixed with pride; that those we’ve lost will be remembered by a grateful nation; and that our presence here today is only possible because your loved ones, America’s patriots, were willing to give their lives to defend our nation.”
While a handful of protestors greeted Obama’s motorcade with signs like “McCain - Good for Veterans Because he’s a Veteran,” Obama did not bring up the presumptive Republican nominee’s name during the entire event. Read his prepared remarks after the jump.
On this Memorial Day, as our nation honors its unbroken line of fallen heroes, our sense of patriotism is particularly strong. Because while we gather here under open skies, we know that far beyond the Organ Mountains – in the streets of Baghdad, and the outskirts of Kabul – America’s sons and daughters are sacrificing on our behalf. And our thoughts and prayers are with them.
I speak to you today with deep humility. My grandfather marched in Patton’s Army, but I cannot know what it is to walk into battle like so many of you. My grandmother worked on a bomber assembly line, but I cannot know what it is for a family to sacrifice like so many of yours have.
I am the father of two young girls, and I cannot imagine what it is to lose a child. My heart breaks for the families who’ve lost a loved one.
These are things I cannot know. But there are also some things I do know.
I know that our sadness today is mixed with pride; that those we’ve lost will be remembered by a grateful nation; and that our presence here today is only possible because your loved ones, America’s patriots, were willing to give their lives to defend our nation.
I know that while we may come from different places, cherish different traditions, and have different political beliefs, we all – every one of us – hold in reverence those who’ve given this country the full measure of their devotion.
And I know that children in New Mexico and across this country look to your children, to your brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, and friends – to those we honor today – as a shining example of what’s best about America.
Their lives are a model for us all.
What led these men and women to wear their country’s uniform? What is it that leads anyone to put aside their own pursuit of life’s comforts; to subordinate their own sense of survival, for something bigger – something greater?
Many of those we honor today were so young when they were killed. They had a whole life ahead of them – birthdays and weddings, holidays with children and grandchildren, homes and jobs and happiness of their own. And yet, at one moment or another, they felt the tug, just as generations of Americans did before them. Maybe it was a massacre in a Boston square; or a President’s call to save the Union and free the slaves. Maybe it was the day of infamy that awakened a nation to a storm in the Pacific and a madman’s death march across Europe. Or maybe it was the morning they woke up to see our walls of security crumble along with our two largest towers.
Whatever the moment was, when it came and they felt that tug, perhaps it was simply the thought of a mom or a dad, a husband or a wife, or a child not yet born that made this young American think that it was time to go; that made them think “I must serve so that the people I love can live – in happiness, and safety, and freedom.”
This sense of service is what America is all about. It is what leads Americans to enter the military. It is what sustains them in the most difficult hours. And it is the safeguard of our security.
You see, America has the greatest military in the history of the world. We have the best training, the most advanced technology, the most sophisticated planning, and the most powerful weapons. And yet, in the end, though each of these things is absolutely critical, the true strength of our military lies someplace else.
It lies in the spirit of America’s servicemen and women. No matter whether they faced down fascism or fought for freedom in Korea and Vietnam; liberated Kuwait or stopped ethnic cleansing in the Balkans or serve brilliantly and bravely under our flag today; no matter whether they are black, white, Latino, Asian, or Native American; whether they come from old military families, or are recent immigrants – their stories tell the same truth.
It is not simply their bravery, their insistence on doing their part – whatever the cost – to make America more secure and our world more free. It’s not simply an unflinching belief in our highest ideals. It’s that in the thick of battle, when their very survival is threatened, America’s sons and daughters aren’t thinking about themselves, they’re thinking about one another; they’re risking everything to save not their own lives, but the lives of their fellow soldiers and sailors, airmen and Marines. And when we lose them – in a final act of selflessness and service – we know that they died so that their brothers and sisters, so that our nation, might live.
What makes America’s servicemen and women heroes is not just their sense of duty, honor, and country; it’s the bigness of their hearts and the breadth of their compassion.
That is what we honor today.
Oliver Wendell Holmes once remarked that “To fight out a war, you must believe something and want something with all your might.” The Americans we honor today believed. Sergeant Ryan Jopek believed. Ryan was just weeks away from coming home when he volunteered for a mission to Mosul from which he would never return. His friends remember his easy smile; I remember Ryan because of the bracelet his mother gave me that I wear every day. Next to his name, it reads: “All gave some – he gave all.”
It is a living reminder of our obligation as Americans to serve Ryan as well as he served us; as well as the wounded warriors I’ve had the honor of meeting at Walter Reed have served us; as well as the soldiers at Fort Bliss and the troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world are serving us. That means giving the same priority to building a 21st century VA as to building a 21st century military. It means having zero tolerance for veterans sleeping on our streets. It means bringing home our POWs and MIAs. And it means treating the graves of veterans like the hallowed ground it is and banning protests near funerals.
But it also means something more. It means understanding that what Ryan and so many Americans fought and died for is not a place on a map or a certain kind of people. What they sacrificed for – what they gave all for – is a larger idea – the idea that a nation can be governed by laws, not men; that we can be equal in the eyes of those laws; that we can be free to say what we want, write what we want, and worship as we please; that we can have the right to pursue our own dreams, but the obligation to help our fellow Americans pursue theirs.
So on this day, of all days, let’s memorialize our fallen heroes by honoring all who wear our country’s uniform; and by completing their work to make America more secure and our world more free. But let’s also do our part – service-member and civilian alike – to live up to the idea that so many of our fellow citizens have consecrated – the idea of America. That is the essence of patriotism. That is the lesson of this solemn day. And that is the task that lies ahead. May God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.
Tags: mccain, Memorial Day, New Mexico, obama, veterans
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Obama should be careful - Richardson may stab in the back - he has had a lot of practice at that.
We await your inaguration Mr. President!
Yes we can! Si se puede!
Somone said Bill feels there is a “cover-up” going on regarding Hillary. Apparently, delusionals feed off one another.
It’s almost over… right? Please go quietly away Hillary and Bill. We’ll listen to Chelsea when it’s her time. Until then… please… just go away.
Florida and MI proposed solutions from Politico. Rather interesting read and is truly accurate in its respresenation of what has occured and what could occur:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0508/10614.html
KEEP FIGHTING HILLARY CLINTON!!!
Millions VOTE for you!!! Obama is NOT QUALIFIED!! and will never be elected due to his WEAK, radical background.
Hillary Clinton is our ONLY hope to win back the white house She has the Electorial Map to WIN in Nov!
HILLARY OR MCCAIN NEVER OBAMA
Yet
He means everything that he says, A great Speech.
Go Obama 2008!!
Fidel Castro criticized Sen. Barack Obama on the trade enbargo, what is Barack saying to defend himself? How does the cubans in America feel about this issue? Maybe someone can get some answers please. Not good to be talking about this on Memorial Castro saying that Obama would cause Cubans to go hungery.
Barry assumes that the devoted men and women in service were drafted. Many men and women signed up to protect our country. Their pride in this country keeps my children and his safe. But their families pay the price and ours benefit. God bless all the families who have lost loved ones, who have loved ones serving and the brave men and women serving our country. Thank you for your sacrifices so I may benefit.
hi all I’m back
just getting on
any one here?
Cowboy GWB is more respectful then clown-communist borok
We have three candidates still in the race for President and of the three the one I’d least like to be the C&C is Obama. His anti-American associates, wife’s and his words against a large part of America, makes it impossible for me to invision this guy in charge of our military.
“McCain - Good for Veterans Because he’s a Veteran,”
BS. These veterans need to wake up before it’s too late and their ARE NO benefits.
Dont’ forget Sen. McCain opposes the “21st Century GI Bill” (S.22) and also don’t forget this:
— Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave McCain a grade of D for his record of voting against veterans. (By contrast, Obama got a B+.)
– Disabled Veterans of America noted McCain’s dismal 20 percent voting record on veterans’ issues. (Obama had an 80 percent.)
– In a list of “Key Votes,” Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) notes McCain “Voted Against Us” 15 times and “Voted For Us” only 8. (Obama voted for VVA 12 times, and against only once.)
While I respect Sen. McCain for his service to our country and voted for him in the primaries based solely on this reason; it is apparent he does not understand the needs of an average veteran.
“McCain - Good for Veterans Because he’s a Veteran,”
BS. These veterans need to wake up before it’s too late and their ARE NO benefits.
Dont’ forget Sen. McCain opposes the “21st Century GI Bill” (S.22) and also don’t forget this:
— Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave McCain a grade of D for his record of voting against veterans. (By contrast, Obama got a B+.)
– Disabled Veterans of America noted McCain’s dismal 20 percent voting record on veterans’ issues. (Obama had an 80 percent.)
– In a list of “Key Votes,” Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) notes McCain “Voted Against Us” 15 times and “Voted For Us” only 8. (Obama voted for VVA 12 times, and against only once.)
While I respect Sen. McCain for his service to our country and voted for him in the primaries based solely on this reason; it is apparent he does not understand the needs of an average veteran
obama will be the greatest president ever!mccain and hillary are warmongers.
Keep Fighting HILLARY!!!
New Mexico - Isn’t that another State Senator CLINTON WON????
But -let’s NOT go with the WILL OF THE PEOPLE - remember???
He always uses prepared speeches, never speakes for himself or from the heart.
Hillary 08
“McCain - Good for Veterans Because he’s a Veteran,”
BS. These veterans need to wake up before it’s too late and their ARE NO benefits.
Dont’ forget Sen. McCain opposes the “21st Century GI Bill” (S.22) and also don’t forget this:
— Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave McCain a grade of D for his record of voting against veterans. (By contrast, Obama got a B+.)
– Disabled Veterans of America noted McCain’s dismal 20 percent voting record on veterans’ issues. (Obama had an 80 percent.)
– In a list of “Key Votes,” Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) notes McCain “Voted Against Us” 15 times and “Voted For Us” only 8. (Obama voted for VVA 12 times, and against only once.)
While I respect Sen. McCain for his service to our country and voted for him in the primaries based solely on this reason; it is apparent he does not understand the needs of an average veteran.-
“McCain - Good for Veterans Because he’s a Veteran,”
BS. These veterans need to wake up before it’s too late and their ARE NO benefits. Dont’ forget Sen. McCain opposes the “21st Century GI Bill” (S.22) and also don’t forget this:
— Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave McCain a grade of D for his record of voting against veterans. (By contrast, Obama got a B+.)
– Disabled Veterans of America noted McCain’s dismal 20 percent voting record on veterans’ issues. (Obama had an 80 percent.)
– In a list of “Key Votes,” Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) notes McCain “Voted Against Us” 15 times and “Voted For Us” only 8. (Obama voted for VVA 12 times, and against only once.)
While I respect Sen. McCain for his service to our country and voted for him in the primaries based solely on this reason; it is apparent he does not understand the needs of an average veteran.
–
KEEP FIGHTING HILARY!!
What the obama group seems to forget - Without the MILLIONS of Hillary supporters - the only thing obama may win is the nomination - NEVER the White House - SO - What has he really won?
The obama campaign & the supporters are a DISGRACE! Their racist, mean comments are a disgrace to the Presidential Election.
The DNC has allowed this to continue - too bad - now they can watch McCain win.
I don’t know if there will be any comments posted for this article, but will take a moment to respond anyway. The message is good. I am sure the delivery was as well. Giving a speech like this in NM is good for the fall election, but doesn’t advance the next three contests. My concern is that Obama does not have the nomination yet - close, but not there yet. Therefore, I encourage him to spend some more time campaigning for the remaining three contests. I have read numerous blogs where people say, Clintons have been here ____ times, Obama only once or twice. He will lose votes if he doesn’t show them he cares by spending time shaking hands and answering questions in South Dakota, Montana and Puerto Rico. Maybe he won’t win Puerto Rico, but going there again will definitely be a plus. And the Clintons are going back to South Dakota - that makes the people proud. The ARGUS LEADER is giving them full press everytime they visit; they are front page news and they are going to South Dakota again - the 5th time. The Clintons would love to beat Daschle!
It would reduce the comments similar to those from WV and KY where he only went once. Voters and pundits made up their own minds as to why he didn’t spend more time there. The press will call it as they see it again if the numbers are high on the popular vote for the Clintons.
I don’t believe you all college news anchors and reporters and journalists can truly mis report or truly miss out an an obvious point. It is really sad if you are intentionary making believe that Obama is missing out on working class in the PRIMARIES with Clinton.Please take note that you are not addressing naive generation like in the past. This is a NET generation that would read between your unspoken naive words. Please note, Just because Mick Romney won Utah over 90% in PRIMARIES with all classes does not mean republican John McCain will not win it come Nov. Just because Hillary won Carlifornia during the Same PRIMARIES does not mean Democrats wont take come Nov. Use your simple God given common sense since your college degrees seems compromised. What a shame. No wonder people would rather hear real truth from Gov.Jesse Ventura but it’s sad you wont even want Americans to hear the truth. What a Shame. However so you know, Americans are no longer that naive as you may want them to be. Mere truth will give you more ratings so you know. Long gone is that era. Rush Limbough is salivating and getting orgasm over Hillary, we all know his past history with the Clinton’s come 1996 and during bill’s impeachment in 98. What does it take for a man of his stand to compromise his dignity. Every time I hear him stomp his foot in toilet for Bill he simply make me puke. Yet, hear him talk about race prejudism. Gosh,if democrats are that evil to field a black and a woman, show us what republicans have done. count democrats and GOP blacks and women in both houses before you see faults. If you love hillary that much, why don’t you field her for presidential in your party Rush Limbough?
What is the problem?
He’s so honest. How refreshing after 7+ years of deceit.
now
i think they are now taking people over 40 to serve in the military—hey obama, don’t let this chance pass you by… go to iraq and so poor you won’t have anymore regrets about not serving our country.
This poor excuse of a man, OBAMA, has no reason to be addressing military personnel of any kind.
He will not support the military community. I am a 28-year Vet of two wars and I say don’t for someone until you know what they can do. This man has no proven record of anything. He has been on a military commitee nearly three years and has come up with nothing. Please America wake up[ before it is too late and allow this man to take the Nomination away from someone who cares, who has a proven record, and a woman that is willing to go the distance for her fellow man, HILLARY CLINTON>
Thanks to all our heros. Obama is not one of them.
HILLARY OR MCCAIN.
Did you recite The Pledge of Allegiance today or did you finally decide to wear an American flag lapel pin?
Commander in Chief my aching heart!
[...] “…Let’s memorialize our fallen heroes by honoring all who wear our country’s uniform; and by completing their work to make America more secure and our world more free.” [...]
Very nice speech from someone who wishes to get elected. I do not believe his patriotic stance and I do not believe his speech was heart felt. However, I did give him the benefit of doubt and checked his voting record. Perhaps everyone should. Judge for yourself. If I were to criticize him, there would be bloggers that will defend him no matter what…so look at his voting record for yourself.
[...] “…Let’s memorialize our fallen heroes by honoring all who wear our country’s uniform; and by completing their work to make America more secure and our world more free.” [...]
Moderation of the comments I can understand, however, not allowing any comments thru unless they appear to be in favor of Obama seems like stifling of free speech. In the blogging world when people find a site they enjoy they usually remain fairly loyal, however, once comments are no longer allowed, we are a fickle group and go elsewhere, including where we get our “news.”
[...] Barack Obama on Memorial Day: “I speak to you today with deep humility. My grandfather marched in Patton’s Army, but I cannot know what it is to walk into battle like so many of you. My grandmother worked on a bomber assembly line, but I cannot know what it is for a family to sacrifice like so many of yours have.” [...]
BO passed a bill which was incomplete. Did he even read it or was he so busy trying to pander to vets he forgot to read bills? He shows he is willing to do anything to get votes and does not even check to make sure everything is right before he puts his name/vote on it.
Obama’s visit to NM was a total sham. Who were the invited guests? The venue was kept secret except to the “Press”. This wasn’t a public forum, this was a designed Democratic Party event. An absolute shame that Obama is attempting to use veterans as a foil. Of course the Press had to be in the can for him, they allegedly knew before hand but did not print the times or locations of his visit. New Mexicans voted overwhelmingly for Hillary in the Primary, but who does Richardson indorse…
Obama has no right to give speeches on Memorial day! He has sacrificed nothing and understands nothing about sacrifice!! It is dishonorable to have him engaged in any way shape or form at a memeroial day function save to place his hand on his heart and pay tribute. But we know he won’t do that. Vote for someone who understands sacrifice!! Vote MCCAIN!!!!
hello
Obama will be far better for veterans than McCain. You’d think that republicans would take better care of those who’ve served our country.
Obama was too young to serve in Vietnam but not too old to serve in the Persian Gulf War. However, whether you served in the military or not, everyone in this country respect’s all veterans on memorial day. I am not voting for Obama I am voting for Hillary Clinton and I believe Obama puts on a good front to the American people who are dumb enough to believe his lies. He cares only about power and making history for himself MLK. He read so many books on MLK he tries to speak like him on the platform. I don’t know how the white people of this country can fall for his words of hope and change when he took those words from the speeches of RFK and used them for his own benefit. I hope Hillary is smart enough to declare herself as an independent if she doesn’t win the nomination. That would cost him the presidency and our country would not go into a disaster.
In a commencement speech the previous day, Senator Obama urged college students to go into civilian public service but did not mention veterans’ contributions or the military. By implication, he was telling students NOT to go into the military. Here are links discussing this.
http://amyproctor.squarespace.com/blog/2008/5/26/obama-excludes-military-service-as-way-to-serve-country-in-m.html
http://partisanreport.com/blog/2008/05/26/obama-no-mention-of-military-and-those-who-served-during-memorial-day-speech/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl32Y7wDVDs&feature=related
This is consistent with Senator Obama’s recent speech advocating unilateral disarmament. Here’s a link to the speech.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl32Y7wDVDs&feature=related
Apparently Senator Obama has little respect for veterans or the military.
One thing Obama and turncoat opportunist Richardson forget to mention was that Hillary defeated Obama in the primary in New Mexico.
He is full of it!! I don’t trust Obama patriotism for a blink. Is the first time I see him putting his palm over the heart - last time in front of the flag while the Star was playng he did not…
Don’t trust Obama partitism for a blink. Just full of it as any politician
You left out part of his speech. I suppose that’s why you didn’t wrap it in quotation marks. He said:
“On this Memorial Day, as our nation honors its unbroken line of fallen heroes, - and I see many of them here today - our sense of patriotism is particularly strong.
Apparently, Sen. Obama either does not know what “fallen heroes” means or sees the dea among us.
Doe Barack really want God to bless America? I doubt it. It’s just politicallly expediant for him to say so. What was his reaction when Rev Wright said God Dam America? I suggest he whooped and hollered like the rest of the congregation. What a phony.
You left out part of his speech. He said:
“On this Memorial Day, as our nation honors its unbroken line of fallen heroes, - and I see many of them here today - our sense of patriotism is particularly strong.
I suppose what is in the article is what was supposed to have been said; his prepared words (written, no doubt, by a speech writer). My guess would be that the aside was “off the cuff”. Was he confused about the term “fallen heroes”? Does he not know who we honor on Memorial Day? Was he just tired and made a stupid gaffe? None of these makes me feel secure about his possible occupancy of the White House.
Sign up now Mr. Obama and you might get my vote…
Funny how wackjob ultra lefties bash fox news
because you know it’s the Keith Olbermann, Chris Mathews,
Ted Rall, Michael Moore types they trust for their news and info.
Too funny!
This is very interesting. This is something FOX news would never report on. FOX would like us all to believe that there is no rasism in America.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=4918487&page=1
WHO IS DAVID AXELROD?
David Axelrod is someone who will do anything to get a candidate elected.
One of his tactics is to have the candidate(Obama) speak as if he were interlocked with well know public figures.
Axelrod hooked Obama up with J.F. Kennedy, Rev. Martin L. King and Abraham Lincoln in his many orchestrated speeches which made Obama SEEM like a historic candidate.
He also tells Obama to emphasize the grass roots, or as Obama like to call this aspect, change comes from the bottom up!
Obama is not wedded to any ideological frame or dogma, he is naïve; he lacks experience and has a weak persona. There is nothing about Obama that unites anything or anyone in America!
Axelrod tells Obama to embrace his flaws and thus Obama tells America that he is not perfect and that he will probably make many mistakes.
As if that fact would have us forgive him for his ignorance because he has owned up to his flaws in advance. Naïveté?
Does America need a president that is weak and admits that he will probably make many mistakes?
Sheer propaganda
“What David and his inner circle will learn is that the citizens will not be hoodwinked by his slick political ploys.
Smart Americans will show him what counts and that will be their votes when they vote H.R. Clinton into the presidency!
Power Line had the REAL speech -
BILL RICHARDSON IS A JOKE!!!!!!!!!! obama will never get my vote and i am a white woman!!!
ill never endorse obama
this is the worst election ever ..it was bad enough when the republicans srewed us in previous years …but for our own party to run this circus its terrible
blog still on lockdown?
WOndering which arm he wears the Bracelet with Sergeant Ryan Jopek name on it. I have looked at dozens of pictures and he does wear a watch in his left wrist but nothing on his right wrist! So wear does he wear this bracelet everyday???
Barrak “Quail” Obama
“McCain - Good for Veterans Because he’s a Veteran,”
BS. These veterans need to wake up before it’s too late and their ARE NO benefits.
Dont’ forget Sen. McCain opposes the “21st Century GI Bill” (S.22) and also don’t forget this:
— Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America gave McCain a grade of D for his record of voting against veterans. (By contrast, Obama got a B+.)
– Disabled Veterans of America noted McCain’s dismal 20 percent voting record on veterans’ issues. (Obama had an 80 percent.)
– In a list of “Key Votes,” Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) notes McCain “Voted Against Us” 15 times and “Voted For Us” only 8. (Obama voted for VVA 12 times, and against only once.)
While I respect Sen. McCain for his service to our country and voted for him in the primaries based solely on this reason; it is apparent he does not understand the needs of an average veteran.
—-
Mc Cain should be retired at the beach. We don’t need another savior …The destruction of this country will be certain. He is going to work for the military manufacturing lobby . It is obvious.
Maybe another war is in his plans….????
Folks, even if Obama mis-spoke he is still wrong. According to Carl Peterson: President, Society of the 89th Division, WWII ( http://www.89infdivww2.org/ohrdruf/ohrdrufintro.htm ), the camp that the 89th Division was involved in liberating was actually Ohrdruf which was part of the Buchenwald complex, but was NOT a concentration camp. The following is a quote from that site:
Quote:
These people, along with many others became classified as displaced persons (DP’s); some of them spent many years in DP camps in Germany before finding a new home elsewhere. But in answer to my query, there was no connection between the activities of the concentration camps and these slave labor camps.
Unquote:
Once again even if he isn’t lying he is at the very least proven that he doesn’t know what he is talking about.
He delivered another mis-speak. WOW - and this guy graduated from where? Not Presidental at all unless ya just want to compare him to Bush.
iou
Obama’s appearance in Las Cruces, NM on Memorial Day was a totally crafted political event. It was not a public event despite the attempt to make it look like one! It was for Veterans by invitation only. Hmmn, Las Cruces is home to literally thousands of vets. I don’t know any that were invited or attended. Would dearly love to see that list. The venue was disclosed to the media - but not to the public. Hmm Obama was accompanied by Big Bill Richardson, Hillary, no Obama supporter. (The electorate voted for Hillary, but Big Billy knows better). This is the same Bill Richardson who recently vetoed a Veterans Museum appropriated by the Legistlature for Las Cruces. See the thread here, Veterans are good only for their votes. Neither Obama or Richardson really gives 2 cents for Veterans Affairs - unless of course there just might be a vote in it or they can use the vets to stick it in McCains eye. Sorry Obama it didn’t work. You didn’t convice most of us and we won’t be voting for you. Look at the opinion column in our local news paper the Las Cruces Sun-News. You took a beating by us Vets and most are Democrats. No this is not the Democratic Party of my Father. We want real men and women not panderers.
As a veteran, this was a well said speech. No matter your political beliefs, our men and women in service should ALWAYS be held in the highest regard. My family is a military one - my brother is retired Army, my stepfather is retired Air-Force, my sister in law and her husband are both retired Army, as well as my brother in law is retiring this year from the Army.
Senator McCain should and always be thanked and honored for his service. That alone does not necessarily make him any more qualified than anybody else. There are many presidents who never served. Nothing wrong with that. As long as they understand the plight of the American service member, and always do what we can for those who serve, then that’s OK.
Let’s take care of our veterans and pass this new GI bill. I don’t mind some compromises, but let’s get it done.
As a former Marine, it is difficult to describe the connection to fallen brothers and sisters unknown to me except through their service and ultimate sacrifice, but it is real. I have walked the battle field of Gettysburg with every last hair standing at full attention from the energy that still lives on in those woods and on that field. I have never been to Pearl Harbor, but simply looking at photographs of the Arizona memorial pulls at my heart. I remember seeing footage of the President surprising the troops in Iraq over Thanksgiving and the hall erupting in a sea of tears and cheers for their Commander in Chief and having tears come to my eyes knowing how much that visit meant to them.
It is rare that any speach given in honor of those who have fought to keep us free does not strike that chord inside that dynamically connects me to my comrades in arms, but this one does nothing for me. They are just words on a piece of paper read by someone who has better things to do and other places to be. As I read this speach, I could not help but see the expressions, mannerisms, and utter disdain Senator Obama showed toward General Patreus, the very commander of the forces which he was attempting to ‘laud’ during the last round of Senate hearings. Does he somehow believe that our forces today hold their present leadership in any less regard than did his grandfather hold his?
It is very convenient for Washington to distance itself from a war being faught elsewhere in order not to fight it here, but it will be more interesting to see them attempting to distance themselves from our men and women in uniform when they return. In my very personal opinion, those who have not made it their business to support our troops in ‘every clime and place’ through either their own service or through their actions in places of authority have no business delivering speaches in their honor. Without that dynamic connection, the words are just words.