“Northampton veteran remembers 9/11 and the country's armed services personnel” |
| Northampton veteran remembers 9/11 and the country's armed services personnel Posted: 19 Sep 2010 07:14 AM PDT Vietnam Veteran and former Northampton Township Supervisor Pete Palestina read the following remarks during the flag raising ceremony at Northampton Days. Good morning. I'd like to talk briefly about 9/11 and our men and woman in the armed forces today along with the Northampton Patriots Flag Program. I know that for all of us here today – and in fact, for all Americans – Sept. 11, 2001 forever changed our world. Just as Dec. 7, 1941 – Pearl Harbor Day – defined a generation, September 11 has indelibly shaped who we are, how we live our daily lives and what we believe in. But unlike Pearl Harbor, in which one nation attacked a military installation, this time an organization of terrorists, not operating under the flag of any one nation, attacked thousands of unsuspecting innocent men and women. I believe that what shocked us the most that morning was not the unthinkably diabolical method used to attack us. Or the scope and magnitude of the attacks. But that -- it was our way of life that was attacked. Our way of life that embraces freedom and democracy. Our way of life that rewards hard work and perseverance, and yet encourages selflessness and generosity. Our way of life that recognizes and respects varying opinions in society, and still preserves the rights of all to express those opinions. Our way of life that allows us to worship freely and to look differently. And even today, nine years after September 11, we strive to find hope in the moments of hopelessness that still haunt us. The men and women in our armed forces that serve today are, for the most part, all volunteers, and they enlisted knowing that they could be put in harms way. They chose to serve their country; they were not forced to do so. They don't want to have to fight, or kill, or be killed, but they understand that sometimes they need to do so in order to protect our country, your freedom, my freedom and the freedom of others we chose to help liberate. Many of them enlisted after the tragedy of 9/11 happened, and therefore they did do so with a sense of cause and determination. Ladies and gentlemen, these … are … your true .. American heroes. And that is why, back on April 23, 2003, the Northampton Supervisors decided to hold a Northampton Patriots ceremony to recognize and honor all those Northampton residents in the military serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. At that time we knew of 24 soldiers; today we know of 66. And the program expanded to include Afghanistan and other combat zone areas. A flag representing their branch of military service was displayed along with a yellow streamer that had their name on it. And as each returned safely back home, and so far 58 of 66 have, we returned their military flag and replaced it with a United States flag. These flags are now displayed at the township building inside the public meeting room. The one who did not return home safely was Army PFC Bobby Dembowski, Jr. who was killed in action on May 24, 2007 and his flag is front and center among all 66 flags in that display. You know, every generation has a limited few who are truly warriors in their heart. They feel -- unlike many of their peers-- a deep seated need, indeed a duty ... to stand up and defend what we all cherish -- our Freedom! They endure the physical hardships of very tough training, the emotional hardship of separation from friends and family... and are without many of the creature comforts we all take so much for granted within the boundaries of our own homes. They do it with a single motivation, deep down inside: they want to do what is right. They want a good world... a free world for everyone, and are willing to put their own lives on the line for that belief. They want a better place for their children and parents alike. The American flag is a symbol of that for them. These young people... putting their lives on the line for their countrymen who died in the 9/11 attack on America, for the continued freedom from terrorism for their friends, family and fellow Americans and for the freedom of the Iraqi and Afghan people -- who may not even really know what true freedom is ... are the warriors of this generation. Ladies and Gentlemen, the hazards of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan are not yet over and as we all know, there is still danger there, and will be for some period of time as peace is restored and those countries are rebuilt. Our prayers are with our troops and with God's blessing, we wish them a safe return and thank them for putting their lives on the line for you, me, America, and the world. This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read our FAQ page at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php |
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