Occasional reader Ernie sends along this Memorial Day speech by Major General Kelly in Fallujah, saying “Commodore M. sent it out local via our battalion commanders. It is the text of the remarks Major General Kelly made at the Memorial Day Service yesterday, minus the letter he references at the end. As I listened, I thought about your post on ADM Mullen and retired generals. This is the kind of flag officer we on the ground want speaking for us, and I thought you might want to share some of it with your other reader(s).”
Something about looking out at real Americans who know the price paid for our protection, and the world’s freedoms. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen and Marines – heroes all.
First, a few statistics to ponder. There are twenty-five million living American Veterans. Since General George Washington commanded the Continental Army forty-two million Americans have served the colors.
A million have been killed in its defense. Another million and a half wounded. When most of us think about military cemeteries the first thought that comes to mind is Arlington National in Washington, but there are many, many more in the U.S.
Most Americans also don
A stirring tribute.
Amen.
Where do we get such men… And women, of whom the General speaks?
God bless them all, and their families and loved one.
God bless the General too. Oh, that he would enter the political fray (upon retirement, of course) and displace some of the gutless idiots who pretend to lead out country.
Really great speech. Beautifully said.
Semper Fi, Marines.
He certainly does “get it.” A real leader.
Wow… Just simply wow.
Jim C
[...] To Ponder Lex has posted the text of a Memorial Day speech made by Major General Kelly in Fallujah. This man gets [...]
Perfect words on a day of reflection. May God bless General Kelly and all who serve.
On this day I’m remembering all my shipmates who didn’t come home. And honoring all the heroes who gave their all for this country.
Semper Fi to General Kelly. A magnificent speech.
TY so much for this tribute to all who served, the rest of 2/8 will remember their sacrifice all of their lives. Thank you to all that did serve, including our son, our brothers, uncle and sister-in-law. Mount Morris, NY
It’s my observation that many if not most of those bravehearts who constantly amaze us with their sacrifice come from segments of the country that are derided by our “elite.” Those select communities and families where the “corny, unenlightened” traditional values on which our country was founded still exist. With the constant attack on those values from all sides, I’m always surprised we keep finding people who are still imbued with them.
Then you get politicians who seem to see the dead in their crowds…
On this Memorial Day, as our nation honors its unbroken line of fallen heroes — and I see many of them in the audience here today — our sense of patriotism is particularly strong.
– B. Obama (speaking in Las Cruces, NM)
Dammit, I’m out of Kleenex.
Thanks to Ernie for sending this, and to you for posting it, Lex. Gen. Kelly does indeed “get it.”
What a brilliant man Gen. Kelly is. He gets it. I now have a more complete understanding why my son does what he does. So proud of him and all who serve, they are the true heroes among us.