Gold Star Parents from page 7
er of Marine Forces, US Central Command, spoke to the parents. He and his wife, Gail, were won- derful as they spent time with the Gold Star Parents.
In his speech, quoted below, Gen Waldshaus- er really moved the parents as he expressed what their sons and daughters have done to make a difference.
two
“…These last days
have
reminded me again and again about how the service members we honor here tried in their own way to make a difference
in this world in which we
live…I am so proud to serve with the men and women of our armed forces, heroes like your sons and daughters who volunteered to serve and fight for our country.
“…Those who serve — and espe- cially the post-9/11 generation — are a group that sets themselves apart from the
this illustration exemplifies the story of the motivation and desire behind the reasons your sons and daughters, whom we honor here tonight, chose to serve.
general population. Well known columnist and former Marine Mark Shields describes this distinction as ’the very opposite of the unbridled individualism that elevates profit and personal comfort to high virtues.’ “Your sons and daughters under- stood this instinctively.
“There are more than 311 million people living in the United States, and we are defended by nearly 2.4 million of our fellow citizens who presently serve in the armed forces. These numbers make a point obvious to us all; that your sons and daughters exemplify the brave and selfless citi- zens who answered our nation’s call to make a difference.
“…From rescuing the earthquake victims of Haiti, to the flood-ravaged fields of Pakistan, our service men and women continue to make a dif- ference as your sons and daughters did, making this world a better place for future generations.
“…I recently read a book about people who made a difference. And I think perhaps in a round-about way,
“There is a tale of an old man who walked a beach at dawn and noticed a young boy picking up starfish off the sand and flinging them into the sea. The old man asked the youth why he was doing this. The young man said the starfish would die if they were left stranded on the beach in the sunlight. The old man pointed out that the beach went on for miles and there must be thousands of starfish with the same problem. He asked the youth how his effort could make any differ- ence. The young man looked at the starfish in his hand and then threw it into the safety of the water. “It made a difference to that one,” he said.’ “Ladies and gentlemen, I want you to know the nation, and all who proudly wear the uniform, are committed to keeping faith with our families. We are grateful to your sons and daughters, and to you. And we remain committed to honoring their sacrifice.
“A grateful nation acknowledges
your sacrifice, and prays for your peace.”
8 Crossroads Spring 2011
Photos: Michael Mustacchi
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36