Colonel Steven B. Vitali USMC (Ret) Veterans Day Address Gardens Club of South Carolina 11 November 2017 Members of the Garden Club of South Carolina, Gov McMaster, Senator Graham, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and the military veterans who are present with us here as we celebrate this all-important day honoring those men and women who have served our country. This is indeed a privilege to be asked to speak this morning. You see, I m a local guy, and Columbia has been home since my father, Joe Vitali, a career U.S. Army Veteran, returned from his tour in Italy in 1960. In fact, my first vivid memory of America was as we sailed on the SS Constitution and I gazed upon the Statue of Liberty arriving upon her shores. My father settled us in Columbia, Gamecock country, and home to the Army s foremost basic training command in the nation. Both Ft. Jackson and the University of South Carolina serve as Columbia s bedrock pillars. You see, Columbia is, and always has been a great community made up of people of all colors and faiths, who still believe in honor, courage, and service to our great country, and today s event is proof of those beliefs. 1
During the short time I have to speak, I want to speak to you on four important issues relating to this special day. FIRST, why do we have a Veterans Day? SECOND, the uniqueness of being a veteran. THIRD what our veterans have done, and continue to do for our communities. And FOURTH, the veterans of the future. Why do we have a Veterans Day? We celebrate Veterans Day on the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I, the armistice that began on the 11 th hour of the 11 th day of the 11 th month. If you think about it, war is a somber event, and I have to think this day was fitting for more than simply the date. It is the perfect time for reflection on the sacrifice of so many who have served over the years. If you look back upon history, World War I was supposed to be the war that would end all wars. Unfortunately, hope becomes forlorn in that fervent desire as we remember the words of Plato, the philosopher who said, Only the dead have seen the end to war. However, knowing the sacrifice that goes along with such events, and often the ultimate sacrifice of giving one s life 2
for their country, it is imperative that we honor those who have served, and those who continue to serve as we still have forces in harm s way. We have to be reminded that freedom is really not free, and there are those who have, and continue to sacrifice so that everyone can enjoy this freedom. I am a strong believer in what our first Commander-in- Chief, General George Washington said: The willingness with which our young people will fight in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceived the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their country. What is unique about being a veteran? Veterans aren t necessarily special people. We come from all walks of life, male, female, rich, poor, black, white, of every ethnic origin, but there is something very unique about all. You see, at one time or another, all realized there was a greater good, and service to our country was necessary to provide freedom and the rights associated with freedom for everyone that calls them American. You may have been drafted, or volunteered, as the situation today, but everyone who is a veteran made an oath to defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic. That is very different from most countries; I note that specifically because we swear to defend the constitution, not a king, not the 3
President, or not the Congress, but the Constitution which provides the basic freedoms for all Americans. Although we all have that in common, there are many other particulars that we all share. Each of us made that oath knowing that there was sacrifice involved, and there was the potential that the ultimate sacrifice would be required. Each veteran knew at a minimum there would be separation from family and friends; often the separation would be on foreign soil, and for many months and even years, and most times in conditions that most people would have significantly difficulty enduring. Whether the fight was in Korea, where it was bitterly cold, or Vietnam where the rain and monsoons made life miserable, to the heat of the African desert and the Middle East. It just seems that everywhere we serve, it is very painful and bitter just to survive, much less fight. But we have and done so very well, and continue to do so, again very well. I believe I can also speak for all here that being away is not easy, and too often it is tougher on the families than it is on the service member. For every veteran here, I m sure there was a family member back home. We appreciate that concern, and the support of the American public means so much to the service member making that sacrifice. Unfortunately, on one occasion in our noble military history, that was not the case. But time heals old wounds and America has finally reached out to 4
their Vietnam Veterans showing appreciation for the sacrifices they endured. Our country is greatly in debt for their service there. What have our veterans done, and continue to do for our country? You see we are all affected by the continued service of our veterans after they separate from service, either from an initial enlistment, or retirement after a storied career. You just don t quit serving your country and community after that time. The vast majority of those that enter the service don t make it a career. Most veterans do not retire from the military. But whether two years or 20, the veteran s continued leadership, mentorship to our youth and character; often learned from the sacrifices endured while on active duty continue to provide the backbone of our society. Many become teachers, policemen, enter business, politics, state and local government; it doesn t matter, their leadership has and continues to make a difference. Fort Jackson serves as a tributary of veterans who remain in Columbia and continue contributing to our community. Sadly, time ebbs and with it, many veterans pass, lost to history their gallant deeds but they are affixed eternally to our country s noble military legacy. We ve all had veterans that affected us in our youth and even today, they help shape our character and demonstrate who we want to emulate. 5
Like other military sons, the greatest influence for me was my veteran father but there were others like my neighbor, Don Lou Quire who fought and suffered frostbite in the Battle of the Bulge, or my Uncle Dino who fought on the sands of Iwo Jima, or John Cummer, who steered his landing craft to the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, or my good friend Bill Collier, who commanded 120 South Vietnamese soldiers during a siege at Modoc, holding off for 54 hours over two thousand NVA attackers earning him a Silver Star and a recommendation for the Medal of Honor. I knew and know each of these men. They continuously demonstrated and demonstrate character, honor, and dedication to their country and families. What I know is they did what so many of veterans do; they made a difference in how they lived, how they raised a family, and how they served their fellow man. These men like other veterans today made a difference on other people they have come in contact with and continue to do so. Believe me, veterans make a difference in our communities. How about the veterans of the future? Our veterans of the future will continue to apply the insight of our second President, John Adams, who stated: I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. And, the 4 th century 6
Roman Emperor, Vegetius, who declared Let him who desires peace, prepare for war. I have heard before that the greatest generation is dying off. That for many instances is true, but before you write off our great country, and our great people, let me tell you about the young people that serve our nation today. When I first joined the Marine Corps a few years ago, well more than a few, I had heard of our great traditions. We all speak of the old Corps, and young Marines wonder are they as good as the heroes of the past. Let me tell you, I have had the opportunity to personally witness the valor, honor, and courage of our young service members, and they make you proud! I distinctly remember every day in Iraq, often on open roads in convoy s crisscrossing the desert plains of Al Anbar, or tackling the steep arduous Kindu Kush mountain ranges of Afghanistan, watching my soldiers, airmen, Marines and sailors, executing their assigned combat missions with professionalism and teamwork. The vigor with which they took on the missions, and continue to do so, is second to none. And when contact with the enemy, their courage is above and beyond the call of duty. Their focus on team, mission accomplishment, comradeship, and courage is contagious. It has been my honor to serve with such great Americans. Trust me when I say they will make you proud. 7
But let me be frank for a moment. Dark clouds of war cast an escalating shadow over the world. There is a global terrorist pestilence expanding to once peaceful continents and these barbarians parade their fervent intent to mortally strike the United States. In addition, old antagonists have become emboldened by lust for power and to undermine America s influence abroad and our security at home. Our nation must stand steadfast against the rising tide of international conflict. I close by saying this Veterans Day event is a reminder that Columbia acknowledges the significance of its veterans, and the sacrifices that our veterans have made. Throughout America's long history, veterans and military retirees have performed their military duties at the various military posts in America, and on distant lands where our military heritage was earned, and is still being earned today. We owe a great debt to all our veterans, whose service spans every decade, every year, and every day of our country s existence. Through untold courage and sacrifice, America s veterans have secured the liberty which the founding fathers forged to establish so many years ago. Whenever and wherever the nation has called, in times of darkness and danger, as well as in times of peace and prosperity, America s veterans have been there. Veterans have proudly carried the torch of liberty for all to see. I am so honored to be a part of this celebration today, and so very proud to call this area, Columbia, my home. 8
May God bless each and every one of you, and may God bless America. 9