Written by: Richard Lara on Jun 17, 2007 7:11 PM EDT

Shared Sacrifice
Flag Day 2007
(A Speech in Support of John Edwards for President written by Richard Lara - except for certain parts of that portion of the speech containing Senator Edwards position on Veterans issues)

The theme of today’s Flag Day celebration is “shared sacrifice,” and there is perhaps no more appropriate theme for such a celebration because again and again throughout our Country’s history it has been shared sacrifice that has advanced the United States of America, for which our flag stands as a symbol.
It was the shared sacrifice made by Patriots from each of the colonies that liberated all of the colonies from an oppressive British rule in the revolution of 1776. It was the shared sacrifice of the early states - in which each state surrendered some of its powers - that enabled the Founding Fathers to create a strong and lasting Union. It was the shared sacrifice of all Americans, but especially those who served in the armed forces, that made it possible for the United States to defeat fascism in WWII.
In some sixty conflicts from 1776 to 2000, brave Americans have made great sacrifices in order to protect our freedom and to advance the interests of freedom around the world.
Today, we are once again engaged in a conflict, and brave Americans are once again answering the call of duty by serving in Iraq. This Flag Day, we are assembled not only to celebrate the symbol of our shared freedom but also to honor their service.
As we search for a way to share in it, however, we glean something of the magnitude of the sacrifice that these soldiers and their families have made.
Ceremonies, speeches, and moments of silence all pale when compared to all that those fallen in battle once meant to all who knew them; these gestures are small consolation for all that war so mercilessly steals from the wounded and from all who experience the horrors of battle. So how can we, who have not ourselves endured such trials, hope to share in such a noble sacrifice?
US soldiers in Iraq have served each of us, and they have done so at great expense to themselves. We owe them our esteem and our appreciation. Above all, we owe it to them to fight, and to never quit fighting, to preserve the values for which they fought and continue to fight.
Today we can begin to share in their sacrifice by overcoming our differences, devoting ourselves to the values that unite us, and working to create an America that is worthy of their courageous service. I am here today to tell you just a little about a man, Senator John Edwards, who I believe is best suited to lead this task.
Let me begin with a quote from John Edwards: "I believe in a sacred contract between our country and America's veterans and military families. We must stand by those who stand by us. When our service men and women sacrifice so much to defend our freedom and secure peace around the world, we have a moral obligation to take care of them and their families." END QUOTE
America is asking for deep sacrifices from our Armed Services without providing them and our veterans the support they need. The recent scandal at Walter Reed is only the tip of the iceberg. The Defense Department and the VA are still having trouble sharing medical records. Extended tours of duty and rapid redeployments have put new strains on military families. College has never been more important to one’s success in American Society, but the GI Bill is now available to only half our service men and women in Iraq.
Now, John Edwards has what I believe to be the best plan for ending the war in Iraq, but I am not here to talk to you about his stand on the war. Instead, I want to tell you where John Edwards’ stands on Veterans issues.
John Edwards has called for repairing the sacred contract with our veterans-and-military-community. Central to this sacred contract is a solemn pledge to all who risk their life for our country that we will take care of them as they take care of us.
As president, John Edwards will do each of the following six things:
ONE
HE WILL FULLY FUND Veterans Health Care.
TWO
John Edwards Will Prevent Another Walter Reed.
THREE
John Edwards will Dedicate Resources to the Signature Injuries of Today's Wounded Warriors.
FOUR
John Edwards will provide a "Plan for Coming Home" for Every Service Man and Woman.
FIVE
John Edwards will create a National "Chain of Care," with Improved Treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
SIX
John Edwards will provide care for the newest generation of veterans without neglecting the continuing needs of veterans from previous generations.
We can share in the sacrifice of our soldiers and veterans by following their brave example. Let us take up the freedom that they fight to defend and use it to fight to create an America of which they would be truly proud. Let us send a president to Washington who will not shortchange the veterans who give their all for us. Let us send John Edwards to the Whitehouse in 2008.
Thank you.

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