Veterans Day Speech Reader: Assemblyman Bob Huff Due Date: 27 Oct 2005 Length: 5 minutes Good afternoon

and thank you for inviting me to speak today in honor of our veterans of the Armed Services. Veterans, after all, are Americas truest heroes. They embody all that is noble about the spirit and the commitment it takes to march off to face battles that are worlds away from the comfort of their homes. Selflessly, they left behind friends and family, jobs, friends and communities. They tearfully said goodbye to young children who didnt understand why mom or dad had to go away. Many returned home they were the lucky ones. But too many were left behind, killed on battlefields or at sea, or shot down midair. Today we gather to pay tribute to all these brave men and women who have defended our country. Veterans Day is their day. This remembrance is the very least we can give to those who have sacrificed so much. Many of you are veterans. I want to thank you for defending our great nation; for risking your lives in the name of preserving liberty for all.

You are the patriots of this country. You are the gatekeepers of freedom. America is known for defending the defenseless and liberating the oppressed. You have been our countrys instrument for extending peace, liberty and justice to other nations. I have had the pleasure and honor of knowing several war veterans in my life many of whom are great and vibrant men with inspiring stories of personal sacrifice and honor. My Mothers cousin John is a war veteran. He was shot down in the Pacific Theater during World War Two. He survived the brutal Bataan Death March. Cousin John is one of my favorite people. Ive learned so much from him. John has taught me that we are not just individuals, but instead, many people living under one great nation; each with a duty to fulfill to keep America strong and great. From John I have learned the value of teamwork. It is far better to work together for the common good than to work alone for self-important purposes. Despotic nations fail on this principle. America soars. His military bearing and determination made him a great leader in our family, in his community and in his workplace. A couple of years ago, he was finally awarded military honors by Congressman Ed Royce. Now in his eighties, John lives in Buena Park. Hell always have my utmost respect and is a personal hero to me.

My son also heard our nations call to duty and now serves in the Army. As a father of an Army veteran, my heart goes out to all the parents whose children are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. I understand those parents fears and worries. I know the deep feeling of loss they will experience as their children are away during the holiday season. I also know the great pride and respect they have for their boys and girls who are shouldering an adult burden with an abundance of dedication and courage. From the battle fields of Lexington to the beaches of Normandy, from the Siege of Khe Sanh to the urban battles in Iraq, veterans have always set a foundation of hope for our countrys future. Its not an accident that our country has met the military challenges of the world for more than 225 years bravery and valor have run deep in the blood of Americans for generations. Today, as I see the American flag flying at half staff, I will remember that its colors represent the fearless courage and honor of our American veterans and the liberty and equality for which all have fought. Ill close by giving a heartfelt thank you to the many generations of war veterans who have laid the groundwork for the prosperous and freedom I enjoy in America with my family. I will always respect you and never take your hard work for granted. God bless you, and God bless America.