Memorial Day 2012

Today I had the privilege of speaking during the 2012 Memorial Day activities in the Capitol in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Of all the public speaking I conduct, it is this opportunity, or any of those involving our nation’s fighting men and women, that both deeply impact and move me. It is profoundly humbling looking across a room as you talk about the sacrifices made, that continue to make this country, the United States, such an amazing place. Profound indeed, because in the room you make eye contact with Veterans of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, The Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan Wars and other conflicts. Some veterans in attendance have missing limbs, other visible wounds and of course, wounds not visible to the naked eye, and many left fallen friends and comrades on the battle field to be escorted home in flag draped caskets.

Today, like any previous time during our country’s history, we have political, philosophical, religious, and other differences of opinion and hopefully, we always will. Today, and everyday, thank a veteran for making this less-than-perfect country the best country of all – bar none.

To all veterans…thank you, God Bless you and may God Bless the United States of America.