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, it is so important for us to appreciate the sacrifices made by ALL of our veterans.

Growing up in my house we would watch the evening news as it regularly reported on the war in Vietnam. Images of soldiers firing guns in the jungle and of bombs falling accompanied a regular reporting of numbers of dead and injured kept us acutely aware that we were at war.

For some reason, coverage of the war being fought right now is weak. We need to remember that men and women are still fighting for us – some give their lives, while others come home injured — and they and their families will need our help and support.

The need for veterans services like those that Sid Chase and our new Vet Center provide, will continue.

Beyond supporting these services, it is up to us as citizens to recognize the sacrifices made by those who have served, be it in wars overseas or here on our own soil in times of need. We need to do our part for those in our community.

Do you know all of the veterans in your life? As many of us know, every veteran has a story. Some don’t want to discuss the difficult pieces of their time spent serving — but if you ask, everyone who has served has a story to tell…

I have been thinking about the stories I have heard from people in my own community. From people who served overseas during times of peace, to men and women who served during past or current wars — their stories are an important part of our history.

Some tell stories that are heartbreaking and give a glimpse into those painful memories that can’t be escaped, while other tell stories chronicle exciting adventures — or even fun stories of misadventures while on leave - that bring smiles and some even laughter.. (that might not be appropriate for all ages….)

For those of us who did not serve, we need to ask for these stories, and we need to listen and share these stories so that we can learn from and understand these experiences. We must pass these little bits and pieces of our history on to future generations.

And we need to thank our veterans for their service, not just on Veterans Day, or Memorial Day, but at every opportunity, as we enjoy the freedom they served to protect.

Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to support our veterans.