Today - yes, another beautiful day. And I am sitting here enjoying it in safety and with peace. With the security in knowing that I will still be here tomorrow living in safety and with peace. And with hope.
Today is Veterans Day. Veterans wherever you may be, I hope that you are also living in safety and with peace. I thank you, for without your protection, I would probably not be living in safety, nor with peace.
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Today here in Minnesota, the Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad laid to rest another veteran with full military honors. The final salute.
For over 30 dedicated years, this voluntary rifle squad has never left a comrade behind. This squad has said over 57,000 good-byes to our nation’s veterans. Each week of the year for over 30 years. They come from different times, and from different wars.
They have shared the special distinction and humbling experience of burying one of the Marines who helped plant the American flag at Iwo Jima.
The founder was only 17 years old when he dropped out of high school to join the Marines during World War II. He noted the goodbyes are especially poignant for the older veterans, who have little to virtually no mourners because they have all gone before him.
In sun, rain, snow, and ice they have been there. And they will continue to be there.
One member recalled that one day, he overheard a young boy's answer in response to a statement that the men in the squad were also the men who had protected our country. The child replied, “Those old guys?”