Well, August 21, 2007 was a big day for Senator Obama and NH Veterans. On the heels of a very significant endorsement by US Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-Pa), the Senator spoke to a large audience at the Veterans for Foreign Wars National Convention. The convention is held annually, with this years meeting being attended by a select group of presidential contenders and President Bush.
We were off to a great start when it was announced that Rep. Murphy had decided to stand beside the Obama campaign. Currently, Congressman Murphy is the only member of Congress to have served in Iraq. His military credentials include teaching constitutional law at West Point and having served in Iraq in 2003 and 2004, as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. During his time in Iraq, then Captain Murphy earned a Bronze Star. According to Rep. Murphy, he has endorsed Sen. Obama because he believes “Barack Obama is our best chance to change the direction of our country”.
In his endorsement announcement, Congressman Murphy said, “I take my role as an Iraq war veteran very seriously. Four years ago, in August 2003, I was in the middle of Baghdad. As a Captain with the 82nd Airborne Division, I was a witness to our foreign policy. As a Congressman, I believe that we need to change the direction in Iraq, start bringing our troops home, and refocus on the real War on Terror. And I believe that Senator Obama is best suited to lead in this effort.”
Not long after, Senator Barack Obama stood tall before hundreds of combat veterans, members of the VFW and the ever watchful C-SPAN. After he thanked his hosts, the Senator spoke clearly and concisely, stating “To America’s veterans, our country must speak with one voice: we honor your service, and we enter into a sacred trust with you from the moment you put on that uniform. That trust is simple: America will be there for you just as you have been there for America.... Keeping faith with those who serve must always be a core American value and a cornerstone of American patriotism. Because America’s commitment to its servicemen and women begins at enlistment, and it must never end. “
He continued by defining his vision of the challenges set before America, pledging to face those challenges by using a comprehensive strategy that integrated diplomatic efforts and military action. On the diplomatic front, Obama would push to “dry up support for extremism” and would “restore our values” within the ranks of the civilian and military leadership. Learning from previous mistakes made by the current beltway “mindset”, Obama promised to “protect our homeland by setting common sense priorities”. He then acknowledged his accountability as Commander-in-Chief to America by saying, “a President can choose to go to war, but the country must be prepared to sustain it.”
Before the VFW, Senator Obama laid out the most balanced, detailed and pragmatic of plans to handle matters on the home front, ensuring that he will uphold our promise to service members. In a bold voice, Obama made it plain that he would not tolerate neglect of America’s veterans. He committed to a policy that would assure “zero tolerance” for veterans sleeping on the street. He said, “I’ve fought for this in the Senate, and as President I’ll expand housing vouchers, and I’ll launch a new supportive services housing program to prevent at-risk veterans and their families from sliding into homelessness.”This confirmed my hopes that he fully understands that service extends beyond those who actually wear our nation’s uniform.
As Obama closed his remarks, he affirmed his commitment to America and American veterans. He, again, pledged that he will uphold the Sacred Trust and that he would work to build a consensus amongst differing perspectives. He said, “we know that the sacred trust cannot expire when the uniform comes off. He further stated,” I will be clear that whatever disagreements we have on policy, there will be no daylight between us when it comes to honoring these men and women who serve, and keeping faith with our veterans. This is not a partisan issue. This is a moral obligation. This must be a beachhead for bringing our country together”.
It is clear to me that Senator Obama and Congressman Murphy know, as I do, that we must keep our promise to care for service members and their families, as they have kept their promise to keep us from harm. The men and women that make up our volunteer military, in times of peace or conflict, vigorously execute all their appointed duties. They will rarely, if ever, ask for anything in return. Their sense of honor and service is founded upon a simple truth, that we are obligated to honor their commitment to us, America’s people. This simple truth springs eternally from the highest ideals of our nation and so, is sacred.
If you agree, please join us at the MyBO Group: Obama for NH Veterans. For deeper insight, please follow the embedded links.
Ne Desit Virtus - Let Valor Not Fail
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