Guthrie named a Purple Heart City on Veterans Day

Programs and celebrations were held throughout Guthrie on Veterans Day, including programs at elementary schools and at Honor Park in downtown Guthrie.

“We owe our veterans and active-duty military men and women a huge debt for their courage and sacrifice. They protect our freedoms and keep us safe, and they do so at a great cost to themselves and their families,” Gov. Mary Fallin said.

At Honor Park, it was announced that Guthrie is now a Military Order of the Purple Heart City, one of five in Oklahoma.

Speech given by Steve Gentling at Honor Park on Veterans Day 2016

For many women and men, the values of our nation have been and still are, so important that they endured long separations from their families, missed the births of their children, froze in sub zero temperatures, baked in wild jungles far from home, lost limbs, and far too often, lost their lives. They left their homes; put their dreams on hold, endured hardships and physical and emotional pain.  All to make this world a better place and protect us and our country from an enemy.  They did this to protect our values, some of which were highlighted just this week:  Our right to vote and our right, through freedom of speech, to protest.    These men and women have set a sterling example of service TO others. Of service FOR others.   We call them veterans. And today we honor them.

The 19 million Veterans alive today are drawn from several generations:

Some recall their service under General Eisenhower and MacArthur

Some suffered through the bitter cold of Korean winters

Some were always at the ready during the “Cold War” vigil

Some remember distinctively the heat of the jungles of Vietnam

Some have memories of the battles in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan

Some charged across the battlefields, some fought on the high seas, some patrolled the open skies

Some stood at the ready during times of peace

All contributed to the character and greatness of America.

Soldiers, airmen, marines, sailors, coast guardsmen,  reservists and national guardsmen  —  ALL have contributed to securing the liberties which our founding fathers sought to establish in this “new world” over 200 years ago.  Whenever and wherever this nation has called, these men and women have responded to proudly carry the torch of liberty and freedom. Ordinary people who collectively have done extraordinary things.

Some call these men and women, “my son or my daughter”

Some call them “my mom or my dad”

Some call them “my hero”

WE ALL CALL THEM VETERANS

And so it is on this day, a holiday originally reflecting the signing of the Armistice ending World War 1, the 11th day of the 11th month at 11th hour, in 1918, that we salute these veterans for what they have given to our nation, what they have given each of us!  We take a moment to reflect on the difference these women and men have made to our country, to our world.

And as we remember their direct service, we must also remember the sacrifices made by the families of those serving and those who have served.   Parents and siblings who proudly celebrate their service member while anxiously praying for their safety if placed in harm’s way.  Military spouses who have had to endure career interruptions and a disproportional share of parental responsibilities. Military children who often had to deal with changing schools, separation from friends and hardest of all, the uncertainty of whether or not Mom or Dad will live through the next combat tour

Veterans have given us freedom, security and the greatest nation on earth.  It is impossible to put a price on that.  The debt is simply too huge to ever be repaid, To the veteran, the fallen and their families, there is no tribute, there is no commendation, there is no praise that can truly match the magnitude of what this group of men and women have meant to our country.

Instead we must remember and we must respect and we must appreciate what these men and women have given to us.

.And so it is, today, Veterans Day 2016, that we say thank you to the veterans and to those presently wearing the uniform of our nation’s military, and to their families.  Thank you for your service.  Thank you for your sacrifices.

And as we celebrate their accomplishments, as we reflect on their selfless courage in the face of enemy fire, and as we focus on their tireless defense of our republic in times of peace.  Let us find a way to say thank you.  Maybe it’s a simple nod of the head and a shake of the hand; maybe it’s a warm smile and a pat on the back.  Maybe it is visiting or volunteering at a local VA Medical Center or Clinic, or maybe it is joining your comrades at the American Legion, the VFW or the Military Order of the Purple Heart.  The main point —– today is a special day to celebrate a special group of men and women.  But just as their defense of our values has been and continues to be a 24/7/365 mission and commitment —- so should be our thankfulness.

My request of you is tonight or whenever you have your next conversation with your God, ask for the protection and safety of the men and women in uniform today as they preserve the values of our republic.  And ask that the grace of your God be spread to all those veterans that have given so much for so many.

My challenge to you today ——- Make EVERYDAY VETERANS DAY!! They have certainly earned it!

May God bless our veterans,

May God bless all who wear the uniform of our nation’s military

And May God continue to bless the United States of America.