Veterans' Day Program — Buda, TX — 11 November 2017
Captain Donald S. Inbody, U.S. Navy (Ret), Ph.D.
Ladies and gentlemen — fellow Americans — fellow Sailors… American veterans. It is my honor to be here with you to mark this day of remembrance and hope…to join you in celebrating Veterans Day.
At the end of the first full year of America's war of independence — on Christmas, 1776 — American veterans in the field under General Washington were suffering. "The cause" — as they called it — the cause of American liberty…was completely dependant on them — and they were at the end of their tether.
General Washington rode among them…and asked for yet another…full measure of devotion. He said, to one New England regiment…
"My brave fellows…you have done all I asked you to do — and more than reasonably be expected. But your country is at stake. Your wives, your houses, and all that you hold dear."
The American veterans considered the general's heart-felt request. Two hundred stepped forward. Only weeks later, just half of them remained alive.
From the Revolution — through the Civil War — World War One — World War Two — Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria — American veterans have kept faith…with their forebears, and their fellow-citizens.
I served in the Navy for nearly three decades. My mission, and that of all my brothers and sisters in arms, was to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies. As far as I can tell, we have never been relieved of that obligation.
Written by
Donald Inbody
Author, political scientist, naval historian, and amateur radio operator (ADØK).