11/16/2021
I have been asked to post my speech from Veterans Day for those who were unable to attend. Your wish is my Command!
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, Brothers and Sisters.
My name is Steve Girard, and I am the Commander of American Legion Post 197 located here in Westbrook, ME.
On behalf of Auxiliary President Cathy Clements, and Sons of the Legion squadron Commander, Alan Brule, I welcome you here today to recognize all our Veterans who live, work, and visit the city of Westbrook.
Veterans Day is a day to honor our military veterans for their service to the country. It is a day to salute our heroes for the sacrifices they made for our nation.
The origin of Veterans Day can be traced back to World War I. The Armistice with Germany, which formally ended the war, went into effect at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. That is the origin of Veterans Day.
Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day. While Memorial Day honors those who died while in military service, Veterans Day honors all American veterans, living and dead.
Military service by its nature is temporary. The legacy of that service, however, can benefit generations for centuries and only you, the Veteran, truly understand the magnitude of that commitment. It is the legacy of those who have worn the uniform of the United States. A legacy of freedom.
It takes tremendous courage for a soldier to risk it all to protect his/her country. The least we civilians can do is to offer thanks to these extraordinary men and women.
βHonoring the sacrifices many have made for our country in the name of freedom and democracy is the very foundation of Veterans Day.β And today we gather here to salute all Veterans for your commitment to service and honor to our great nation.
Each and everyone of you has served with honor, you put your lives on hold to serve your country without guarantee of safe return. Your country asked and you performed without hesitation.
Many of us veterans, weather you served 2 years or 20 years, returned home differently, with physical and emotional scars, that we will carry for the rest of our lives. To you I say βIt is never too late to reach outβ
I remember being a young Paratrooper who was bullet proof, I remember pushing my body and mind to the extreme under the name of mission. It is Never too late to reach out.
I know what its like to not close your eyes because of what you see, I know what its like not to go into the water because you canβt breathe, and I know what its like to stand back from a relationship because of the fear and pain of Loss. It is never too late! We, I, have your six! Your brothers and sisters are here and will never leave your side as you walk the path to a better life. It is never, ever, too late for you or your family.
November has been proclaimed National Veterans and Military Families Month. A time that we recognize and thank them for their indispensable contributions and immeasurable sacrifices in support of our national security.
Behind every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, Marine, Guardian, and Coast Guardsmen, there is a family member that has also sacrificed, that has supported unconditionally their service member.
To the spouse who did double duty and stayed up all night worrying, to the child who had to explain why a parent was missing for those big events, to the brother, sister, Mother, and Father who prayed every night. I thank you; you are the force behind the force.
As you leave this ceremony today, I ask you to pause and rememberβ¦. Your veterans have protected our democracy - our freedom - our way of life.
Today, we honor and thank them. And tomorrow, we must continue to honor them. They have given us the chance to live in freedom today and an opportunity to look forward to tomorrow. They have given us every day, and they have protected every freedom. We must honor them every day, in every way that we can. The best way to honor our veterans is to take an active part in maintaining freedom in America. We must teach future generations about what it means to be an American. We must volunteer in our communities, take care of veterans and their families, vote in elections, and continue to try to make America the very best that it can be. Without our veterans, we wouldnβt be where we are today. Without you, we wonβt be able to reach where we could be tomorrow. Thank you for honoring our veterans on this day. May God bless them, you, and the United States of America.
