Editor’s note: The following speech was delivered on Veterans Day, November 11, at Old Landing in Marion.Good morning.
I am Pete O’Brien, I am a retired Marine Corps Infantry Master Gunnery Sergeant, having served on active duty for 27 years, 4 months, and 18 days. Throughout my career, I had the honor and privilege of serving alongside some of the finest Americans the country has to offer. I did this while part of five Infantry Battalions, one Infantry regiment, three years as a Drill Instructor, two years at the School of Infantry, and four years at Supporting establishments.
While Memorial Day in May commemorates the service members that have made the ultimate sacrifice, Veterans Day honors our neighbors who have sworn to support and defend the Constitution of the United States that are still with us. Today, I want to take this opportunity to reflect upon the profound importance of veterans and why they are an indelible part of our country’s history and our society.
What is a veteran … in its true and real definition, is an individual who has served in the military, having completed their term of service, and fulfilled their duty to their country. They have undergone training, faced challenges, and made sacrifices to protect the freedoms and values we hold dear.
But a veteran is also a weird breed of superhero who has traded their cape for camouflage, their secret lair for a barracks, and their superpowers for unparalleled discipline. They possess an uncanny ability to solve problems with duct tape, a multitasking prowess that allows them to juggle grenades while fixing an engine, and a knack for turning any extremely serious or sad situation into a humorous one.
They can sleep through a hurricane, wake up at the crack of dawn, and survive on a diet of coffee and hot sauce alone. With a collection of tales that could rival the greatest works of fiction, a veteran is the embodiment of resilience, wit, and a never-ending supply of “sea stories” to entertain anyone within earshot. As I stand here today, many memories flood my mind – memories of camaraderie, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication.
Veterans Day holds a profound significance for all of us. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served in our armed forces. These brave individuals have selflessly dedicated their lives to protect our freedom, uphold our values, and defend our way of life.
They have answered the call of duty, leaving behind their families, their homes, and often risking their own lives to ensure our safety and security. Being a veteran means carrying the weight of honor, duty, and service on your shoulders. It means stepping forward when others step back.
Throughout our nation’s history, veterans have played a pivotal role in shaping the course of events. From the hallowed grounds of Lexington and Concord to the blood-soaked beaches of Normandy, the unforgiving mountains of Afghanistan to the relentless tempters in the deserts of Iraq, veterans have answered the call, and confronted the nation’s enemies head-on.
However, being a veteran goes beyond the battles fought on distant shores. It is the embodiment of sacrifice that transcends the uniform. Veterans bring back with them a unique perspective – a perspective forged through the crucible of service. Veterans have witnessed the horrors of war, experienced the pain of separation from loved ones, or stood beside teammates who made the ultimate sacrifice. This perspective instills in them a deep appreciation for the blessings we all enjoy as a nation, reminding us that freedom is not free, but earned through the blood, sweat, and tears of our veterans.
The contributions of veterans extend far beyond the battlefield. They carry with them the values instilled during their service – values such as honor, courage, integrity, and resilience. These values become the bedrock of their character, shaping them into leaders and role models in our families, communities, and workplaces. The discipline, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to a mission become ingrained in their very being, inspiring those around them and setting an example for future generations.
As we gather here today, it is our duty as a society and community to honor and support our veterans. We must recognize the sacrifices they have made; we must create a society that embraces veterans and their experiences to build a better future for our community and nation.
To my fellow veterans, I stand among giants – men and women who have faced adversity with unwavering resolve, who have answered the call to protect our freedoms, and who have shown the true meaning of selfless service. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten, and your contributions will forever be etched in the fabric of our nation’s history. We owe you a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid.
Today, as we honor our veterans, let us remember that their legacy is not confined to a single day or a chapter in some dusty history book. It is a reminder that the price of freedom is high, but the rewards are immeasurable.
In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to all veterans for their unwavering service, their invincible spirit, and their steadfast commitment to duty. I will simply end this by saying to all Veterans in attendance … “Thank you for your Service” and to those Viet Nam Veterans that are here today, from me to all of you … “Welcome Home.”