thankyou

On July 4th, 1776, In the City of Philadelphia one of America's historic documents was signed: “The Declaration of Independence”. It marked the birth of this great nation which is under God and was predestined for world leadership and dominance.

We often forget that, in declaring independence from an earthly power, our forefathers made a forthright declaration of dependence upon Almighty God.

The closing words of this document solemnly declares: "With a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

The fifty-six courageous men who signed that document understood that this was not just high-sounding rhetoric. They knew that if they succeeded, the best they could expect would be years of hardship in a struggling new nation. If they lost, they would face a hangman's noose as traitors.

Of the fifty-six, few were long to survive. Five were captured by the British and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes, from Rhode Island to Charleston, sacked, looted, occupied by the enemy, or burned. Two lost their sons in the army. One had two sons captured. Nine of the fifty-six died in the war, from its hardships or from its bullets.

Whatever ideas you have of the men who met that hot summer in Philadelphia, it is important that we remember certain facts about the men who made this pledge: they were not poor men, or wild-eyed pirates. They were men of means; rich men, most of them, who enjoyed much ease and luxury in their personal lives. Not hungry men, but prosperous men, wealthy landowners, substantially secure in their prosperity, and respected in their communities.

But they considered liberty much more important than the security they enjoyed, and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. They fulfilled their pledge. They paid the price. And freedom was won.

Someone has said, 'To be born free is a privilege. To die free is an awesome responsibility." Yet freedom is never free. It is always purchased at great cost.

On behalf of the American Legion we congratulate the Fortin Group for successfully bringing into the Twin Cities and surrounding areas the Vietnam Memorial Wall. It was a reminder of the "Price of Freedom" and was the most unique opportunity for thousands and thousands of veterans, citizens, family members, neighbors, students, and children to come and remember, reflect, hearing the numerous stories being told at the wall was heart wrenching and yet healing. A sweet healing that flowed down on all those that gathered, those who served, those who partook in ceremonies and the reading of the names, those who buried their anger, and pain in the vault. It was a proud time that will last us all a lifetime. The weather seemed to prevail at times and thoughts of disappointment raced through our minds, but someone took notice as the clouds rolled back and the sun dominated every event. The food and fellowship was truly remarkable, the volunteers who spent hours upon hours in Mill 5 need a round of applause. There are not enough thank you's that we can express to the Fortin Group.

American Legion, 3rd District, Public Relations Historian, Paul R. Bernard

My Honor, My pleasure
Friday, November 9, 2007

Sabattus - More than a month ago, I had the privilege of working as volunteer coordinator for the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall in Lewiston.
Many of the volunteers were Vietnam veterans. We shared meals together and they spoke of their experiences. Some still had the war raging in their eyes.

Others cried as they told their stories to the schoolchildren visiting the wall.
I listened to the speakers as they spoke of fallen comrades.

I listened to yet others who told of returning home in civilian clothes so they would not have to face the crowds of protestors.
Some veterans were homeless; others still sought refuge in drugs and alcohol.

Other veterans spoke stoically of their experience, all the while knowing that their bodies bore the side effects of Agent Orange, Agent Blue and Agent Purple.
All were "Heroes - My Heroes".
At this time of year, I thank them all for the honor of working side by side with them at the "Vietnam Memorial Wall". It was, indeed, a privilege.

Thank you and "Welcome Home!"

Claudette Therriault

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