|
|
September 11, 2008
VFW Event - Keynote Address
Good Evening,
It is an honor to be here at VFW Post 9460 tonight on this solemn occasion of remembering the horrible tragedy of September 11, 2001.
Thank you VFW Post 9460 and Bob Johnson for organizing tonight’s ceremony.
The membership of this Post is to be commended for it’s continued service to our community and our country as each of you continues to serve in a selfless manner.
I want to specially recognize the people sitting on the dias this evening:
VFW Post 9460 Commander Dick Kennedy; Private First Class Josh Liskiewicz of the United Stares Army National Guard 192nd Transportation Battalion; Bill Hornok, VFW State Senior Vice Commander; VFW Post 9460 Men’s Auxiliary President Wesley Wirth and VFW Post 9460 Women’s Auxiliary President Rose Angelicola and Post Chaplin Norma for taking the time out of their busy schedule and coming to the Town Of Stratford and this Post to share this evening with us. They could be anywhere in the state but they are with us.
As you all know, seven years ago, two passenger airliners were deliberately crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Center. A third aircraft into the Pentagon. A fourth aircraft, on the way to the Capitol in Washington, was lost when the brave passengers of United Flight 93 refused to let the terrorists cowardly plan go any further.
These attacks resulted in the loss of thousands of American lives.
But in the aftermath of these terrible attacks, from the rubble and dust, emerged the great enduring spirit of the American people, through the countless acts of heroism by emergency service providers and ordinary Americans who stepped up and acted as one great community.
Seven years later we have seen hundreds, maybe thousands of times, the disturbing images of 9/11. In some respect we have sometimes become hardened, almost acclimated, to this horrific event, but we have never forgotten what happened on this day seven years ago… and we must never forget.
And while the country gathers today as a community we continue to heal, we reflect on the lessons that we, as a community, have learned as a result of 9-11.
Those lessons are, for each of us, individual, and even private. However, the collective and public lessons are that we must always be prepared. That there are people who want to see our American way of life changed. That freedom is never free.
And while 9/11 has changed this country in many ways one thing will never change. That in the land of the free and the home of the brave, Democracy, and the American way of life will prevail if we work together as a community.
9/11 reminded us in an all too real manner of the critical role that government plays in keeping us and our loved ones safe.
Tonight, we remember not only those lives that were lost, but we honor and thank Stratford’s first responders, the men and women of our Police Department, Fire Department and the volunteer members of our EMS – they are our local heroes.
These men and women put their lives in harms way each and every day to ensure our community, and our loved ones, stay safe.
And we acknowledge the leadership in our Police Department, Fire Department and EMS – these public servants have taken a proactive approach to ensure that our community is prepared to respond to any type of emergency that may face our community.
Even as recent as today the Town Of Stratford continues to work to improve and streamline our Emergency Management System as top officials, including your Mayor, are receiving training and certification from FEMA in the National Incident Management System.
We continue, your Town government, to be vigilant and to be prepared – should the unthinkable happen even closer to Stratford – closer to home.
We also honor today those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice - our valiant young men and women who have lost their lives fighting to protect our freedom in Afghanistan, Iraq and in other parts of the world.
And no matter what we feel about the war abroad, we must never forget our troops.
They are a constant reminder that freedom is not free, that our right to gather here this evening, in peace, and in safety, is not to be taken for granted.
And that fight for our freedom, for our safety, and for our Nation’s future is far from over.
We must remember and thank the mothers and fathers of these young men and woman, many of them who are members of the Blue Star Mothers and Families of Stratford, for the sacrifice they are enduring for this country. I know how much you worry and miss your sons and daughters and we salute each of you and pray for their safe and speedy return home.
We will never forget those who lost their lives on 9/11. We will never forget to honor those who serve this country, whether in the military, or as an emergency service provider.
Tonight, we continue to heal. Joined together in sorrow, we stand united. Resolved for a brighter tomorrow.
Let us move forward remembering the true meaning of community, compassion, perseverance and, when necessary, the true fighting spirit and resolve of what it is to be an American.
I look forward to working with each of you to make our community safer and better.
Thank you for allowing me the honor of addressing you this evening and God Bless you, your family and the United States of America.
|