City of Cottage Grove



November 11, 2001 Veterans Day Address 
400 E. Main Street      |      Cottage Grove, Oregon  97424      |      Phone:  (541)942-5501      |      Fax:  (541)942-1267

Veterans Day Address
November 11, 2001
We gather here today to honor the men and women who have served and sacrificed in the name of freedom.

During the American Civil War, Julia Ward Howe wrote the moving “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”  Countless millions have found courage, strength, peace, and hope from these words:

     Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.
     He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored.
     He hath loosed the faithful lightning of his terrible swift sword.
     His truth is marching on.

My friends and fellow citizens, once again our country is at war. Evil has visited our land and our people. We as a country must answer the call to eliminate these haters of freedom, wherever they are found. It is our duty to do so.

Throughout history, men and nations have come against us. And, each time our youth have been called to arms -- they have rallied to victory. Vanquishing evil and hate for a season.

Today we face a new foe.  As insidious as a Hitler or Tojo, if left unchecked.  We must stop them and their kind, now.  And send the message far and wide: “This type of behavior will not be tolerated.”

     I have seen him in the watchfires of a hundred circling camps.
     They have builded Him an alter in the evening dews and damps.
     I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps.
     His day is marching on.

Some generations are called in a time of crisis to step up. Some generations are spared the horrors of armed conflict. In those times of prosperity - in those times of peace - it is common to look at the younger unchallenged citizen as aloof, unmotivated, and perhaps, even disrespectful of our heritage -- unmoved by the sacrifices of our forefathers.

However, in times like these, we know this is not true!  Our young people have rediscovered the patriot's first calling as an American: LOYALTY;  DUTY;  HONOR; COUNTRY!  They understand the meaning of selflessness.  Of something greater than themselves.  The hope of our nation - and its strength - are summed up in our youth.  Our future is secure in the capable hands of our youth.

I am so proud to see all Americans - young and old alike -  “rally ‘round the flag.” Flying it proudly everywhere.

America has awakened from a slumber induced through the comforts of peace and prosperity.  We now face the nightmare of fellow citizens and the citizens of the world brutally murdered without cause or provocation.  Attacked on our own soil - innocents; victims - in harms way.  Once again, brave men and women answer the call to arms.

    He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat.
     He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment seat.
     Oh be swift my soul to answer Him - be jubilant my feet.
     Our God is marching on.

We are a great nation.  A kind and generous people.  The whole world looks up to us for guidance - for leadership - for help.  And we give it all, willingly - freely - in the hope that one day the whole world will know and share our bounty and our goodness.  We are the country that says to the world, “share in our bounty; let us show you the way to freedom.”   Freedom from hunger ... freedom from squalor ... freedom from sickness ... freedom from oppression.  This is our country’s destiny - its mission - its purpose.

However, jealousy, fueled by hate, wishes to destroy this noble goal.  These cowards and thugs must be stopped.  We must root them out and destroy them and their ideologies, now and for all time.

We fully support our troops and their families as they defend freedom and our way of life and liberty - wherever its beacon shines.

So I urge all of you, fly your flags, respect your neighbor, pray ceaselessly for our leaders, for our military and their families - for our nation.  We will prevail in our righteous might - so help us God!
 

     In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea.
     With His glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me.
     As He died to make men Holy - let us die to make men free.
     While God is marching on!


God bless you.  God bless the United States of America!

Thank you.

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