As prepared
This is a different type of event, and with good purpose.
Many events honoring veterans honor those who gave their lives while serving.
We should honor their sacrifice and their memory, and we do. Last year, I dedicated the Memorial Plaza right outside the Executive Office Building in Rockville, which serves that purpose.
Today, however, is different. Today we want to honor and thank veterans from the Vietnam era who are here today, 40 years after that war ended.
It has been almost four decades since our Vietnam veterans returned home. We want to take this opportunity to acknowledge their courage and patriotism and say thank you for making the world a better place.
As a veteran of the Vietnam War, I know the sacrifices that were made by members of our military during times of war. This event is a perfect way for all of us to pay tribute to these brave and honorable men and women.
Of special interest, we have with us five Montgomery County residents who were prisoners of war, and who came home.
Everett Alvarez, Jr., Fred Cherry, Michael Cronin, Hubert Clifford Walker and Larry Stark all endured unspeakable conditions as they were held captive, and we are pleased they are here today.
They are among the 13,000 Vietnam-era veterans living in Montgomery County – including me.
About 130 County residents lost their lives serving in the war.
The Vietnam War was a touchstone event that crossed many generations in many different ways.
For many of those who were older at the time, it was a conflict necessary to preserve freedom around the world.
For those who were younger, it was a divisive experience. Many of my generation also thought military service was an honorable pursuit and that the war was an extension of that.
Many others disagreed, seeing the war as an illegitimate conflict and misguided policy.
Caught up in the strife of the times were the men and women who served.
They did not receive the recognition they deserved, and were often not treated with the dignity they earned.
Today will not rectify all of the neglect, but will serve to show that we honor and respect all of our veterans, regardless whether we agree about the righteousness of the conflict in which they served.
Serving in the war was a seminal experience for me. I was in combat. I led men in combat. I lived through it, while others did not, or were grievously harmed.
Serving in the war helped to shape my life, as I am certain it helped to shape the lives of everyone here.
The experience prepared me for much of what was yet to come in my life, as I went to law school, was a White House fellow, entered public life and electoral politics.
To all the vets here, thank you for coming today. Thank you for what you did then. We have not forgotten you, and are here to help if you need it now.
General Douglas MacArthur once said that, “Old soldiers never die. They just fade away.”
Rest assured you who served so honorably will not fade away. We acknowledge you now, and will into the future. We are forever in your debt.