“AMEN BROTHER”

I'm a Vietnam military veteran, and damn proud of it! Today I was one of the guests at the American Veterans’ Day and the Canada’s Remembrance Day celebration at the Alaska National Guard Armory on Ft. Richardson at the 11th hour of the 11th day, of the 11th month. It was also a “welcome home” for soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry, who came home last night from Iraq (They were met at the airport by Governor-Elect Sarah Palin). There are about 70,000 veterans and 26,000 in the reserves, National Guard, active duty or Canadian forces in Alaska.

When the Air Force Band of the Pacific played a medley of service songs, each veteran in the audience of that service in the stood up. It was my turn to stand tall when the band played the Air Force Song “Off we go into the wild blue yonder.” An excellent Keynote Address was delivered by Major General Craig Campbell.

I was moved by the Invocation delivered by Alaska Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club’s Chaplain Bob Lupo, and asked him for a copy of it. Following are some excerpts of his remarks,

“There are some who are opposed to war. I don’t doubt they are good people, albeit somewhat naïve. No sane person encourages war – but some things like tyranny, threats to national security, and the protection of freedom are proper exceptions to justify it. I am reminded of a short poem, pertinent for anti-war pacifists to ponder: ‘. . . those who cry appease, appease – are hanged by those they tried to please’ We pray that ignorance will be rectified by reality, and we pray for peace . . . We pray for the safety of our military, especially those in harm’s way. God, keep them in the palm of your hand and lead them safely home!”

Amen Brother!!