MILITARY & MOTORCYCLES_MARCH 28, 2013
Welcome Home and Easter
Last Saturday I rode up to the Hillsboro County Veterans Museum and Park to attend their ‘Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day event.’ As with any type of military ceremony, there were the usual parts to show honor and respect. They included The National Anthem, Color Guard, Rifle Detail, Pledge of Allegiance and the lonely sound of a bagpiper, speeches and the reading of the Governor’s Proclamation declaring the 30th day of March to be known as ‘Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.’
Something was missing and I finally realized it was the presence of politicians. None made speeches nor did they even make the rounds shaking hands. I have made this statement a few times in the past; “Those who serve us in political positions rarely have served in the military in support of The Constitution of the United States or actually believe in the Oath of Office which they have taken. For the 24-25% of Congress who has served, I personally thank you on behalf of a grateful nation.
Those present Saturday were there for a specific reason to thank other veterans who had served in Vietnam as they had or their family member(s) had.
Army Major General Karl Horst, who I had met a few years ago during the funeral escort of a fallen soldier, was to have been the keynote speaker. He however was represented by U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel Devin Statham—the reason being the recent Change of Command at MacDill Air Force Base. All Commanders were working over the weekend to insure the changeover would go smoothly and quickly. Like Lt. Colonel Statham said, “Wars never take a break, even for Command changes.”
The folks from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8108 (Ruskin) made the day a little nicer by grilling hotdogs and serving water to those who participated in the event. I would like to thank them for their generosity.
March 31st is Easter Sunday; please do not forget the true meaning of the day we celebrate with hiding colorful eggs and candy for children. The true meaning can be found in Matthew 28:6 wherein the scriptures say “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is Risen.” Believe me when I say I am no biblical scholar by any means but I believe.
With that thought in mind, I remind you of this. Those who we elect to function for us take an Oath of Office which reads; “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.”
“Not everyone who lost his life in Vietnam died there. Not everyone who came home from Vietnam ever left there.” – Author Unknown
God Bless America and those who serve to protect us.
Terry Longpre