Seven Villages, Janet Joakim

I wrote this speech to read at today’s event. We read the CC Times a little while ago and from what appears on the editorial page, it seems there is a common theme. Ask a veteran to tell you a story - and pass that story along.

Let’s thank Sid Chase again for putting together today’s event and so many others.

Welcome, veterans and those of us who come together here to appreciate, honor, recognize, celebrate, and thank the veterans among us here at home and those who are serving this country in places far from home that many of us will never visit.

Just as we gather here, so do communities across the country, at a time when our nation is experiencing some of the most difficult circumstances in years, but also at a time of fresh optimism about our future.

Our care and respect for veterans and their families has been a part of a national discussion throughout this recent political season. As veterans who served in past wars are growing older, we have a new influx of younger men and women returning from a war that continues. And regardless of your political positions, Continue reading veteran’s day…