Rocky's Speech at VFW National Convention

Veterans of Foreign Wars
106th National Convention
Welcome by Mayor Ross C. “Rocky” Anderson
August 22, 2005

· We are honored to be your hosts in Salt Lake City.

· You, and those who have served our country before you, have sacrificed so much. You exemplify the highest notions of courage, commitment, and the generosity reflected in offering so much so that others can be free.

· Courage and commitment to the highest ideals of human freedom have characterized our nation’s military since even before our country was founded.

· In this difficult time, with war raging in Iraq, we must make it clear that, regardless of our views toward the war, we all, without reservation, proudly support our troops.

· In a democracy, civilian leaders determine how our military resources will be utilized. We can debate – as we should in a free country – the decisions of our political leaders, but we must always support, and be grateful toward, our men and women in the armed forces.

· It’s not enough, however, to just say the right things. We must demonstrate our support by providing our troops with the best equipment our technology has to offer, and the resources our troops need to be as safe and effective as possible in their very dangerous and important work. Our political leaders must listen and respond when our soldiers point out they are not receiving adequate support!

· Also we need to be firm in our commitment to support you, our veterans, who have served this country so heroically.

· Some of our nation’s leaders have proposed eliminating funding for veterans’ medical, housing, and education programs. Instead of slashing benefits for veterans, we should be providing high quality health care, housing and education benefits.

· You risked your lives for this country, and some of you suffered injuries in battle, both physical and emotional. As a nation we must live up to our promise that you will receive quality health care assistance through the Veteran’s Administration.

· Organizations like yours play such an important role in our communities, by helping us to remember and provide for the needs of veterans, and by educating our young people about the huge sacrifices you, and your fellow soldiers, have made for this country.

· We should all encourage young people to read about those who have given so much to sustain our freedoms. I just finished the book 1776 and found it to be an inspiring account of what George Washington and his troops gave in order that our nation could be independent. Our young people would learn so much, and be instilled with such gratitude, if they would read books like that written by my friend Gene Jacobsen about his sacrifices during the Bataan Death March and his three years in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp. With the learning of these sacrifices comes a deeper appreciation of our freedoms and what so many have sacrificed to sustain them.

· You who have gathered in Salt Lake City are a tremendous part of our history. By telling your stories you are helping the next generations remember what we should never forget about the freedoms we enjoy and the tremendous sacrifices made by so many to make this a free nation.

· We are pleased that we have a beautiful place in our City, Memory Grove, dedicated to the memory of those who have given their lives in the service of our country. I hope you’ll be able to visit this inspiring place during your visit. We must do all we can to keep those memories alive.

· Thank you for coming to Salt Lake City. We are honored by your presence. And thank you for your great service to this nation.