 To
Vietnam Veterans everywhere, who, on returning from the field of battle,
bore the lacerations of ignorant rancor, “One Moment of Respect” now joins
us “Vietnam War Vets” together once again before our Flag. Count 64 pieces
of fabric in our “National Ensign” held together,
by thread: unseen but secure, unrecognized but stalwart, unheralded yet they hold with precision – “stitch by stitch”. Former PFC., Marine Mortarman, The Honorable Jim Balcer
recalls proudly his PFC. chevron, the thought of which brings immediate
Pride and Respect. No man or woman here shall ever forget their first hard
earned military unit emblem and chevron carefully stitched onto their uniforms.
We see that Pride in this “One Moment of Respect” for those who have honorably
served in our United States Armed Forces,
Just like those interlocking loops of thread in the flag, Our Pride and Our Respect, over the last 30 years, held the line, with relentless grip. Yes, you were at times unseen, unrecognized and unheralded in the faithful discharge of your duties, but not today! Never shall you be forgotten, as our buddies and neighbors in a world of freedom made possible by your willingness to serve. “I have my limitations, but together we can do anything”. Thread can be broken. Bound together it has held fast among us as neighboring residents from just across the street, and as neighboring nations from just across the ocean for 229 years. We take personally our Pride and Respect for all our colleagues, Vietnam Veterans, POW/MIA’s and their families, those disabled with physical and mental challenges. Our Honored Vietnam Veterans, unaccounted for, disabled and all their families command our attention and respect and need our warmth and compassion. Together today we renew the life of freedom sewn together in “Pride” and “Respect” for all our Armed Forces. To those who forsaking self, breathed their last, while placing others first, we confer highest possible praise and honor: the undying admiration of your colleagues in arms, men and women, Vietnam Veterans all together gave their last ounce of heroic effort, "gave all" without concern for glory; no thought of recognition; not anticipating any award; relentless in their mission against all odds. There are no insignificant Veterans in our memory nor among us. There are no insignificant stitches holding secure the fabric of freedom and democracy on this earth. You have served well to preserve the legacy of freedom and your service shall NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. We honor the caring hearts and hands behind every man & woman in the Armed Services. To those who have served and do serve family, friends, right here, and throughout America, bringing daily/hourly hope and confidence to our cherished Vietnam Veteran wounded and those shattered by loss,… you too are honored Vietnam War Veterans! In closing, we salute our men and women in our American Armed Forces and our Coalition Forces, serving today worldwide and along the DMZ across the Korean Peninsula, but especially in Afghanistan and Iraq, We honor the sacrifices of these many to protect the cause of freedom and democracy in the Global War on Terror. We pray with faith and hope for continued Wisdom, Persistence and Determination that comes from respecting sacred human dignity. Today in Iraq, our Armed Forces are makers of freedom in Iraq dust storms, dehydrating 130 degree heat, confronting those devoid of respect for human rights who try to rip the fabric of freedom, We Pledge Our Allegiance to the living fabric of freedom held together by your relentless grip. We are Proud of You. We Care Greatly for You. We thank God for the providence of placing you in our lives. God Bless You and God Bless America. Semper Fidelis! OORAH!!
Military Entrance Processing Command, Col. Lon M. Yeary, Former CO HMM-364 Weapon Bearer- Staff Sergeant Poe (Army)
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