NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- As an elected official, we are often invited to be guest speakers at various events and for various occasions. Each event for me evokes different emotions and requires event-specific speeches.
I was recently asked by VFW Post 4250 Commander Brett Harper to be part of the Memorial Day Program at Riverside Park. I graciously accepted and worked to prepare a speech. The speech briefly outlined the purpose of Memorial Day, which is to honor and respect those who fought and those who currently serve to protect the very liberties our founding fathers wrote in the in the Declaration of Independence.
The second part of the speech came from a letter I received from my "stepson Colby," who joined the Marines and was deployed to Afganistan. I am proud that he served his country and fought in two wars defending the very freedoms we take for granted everyday.
Many of our young men and women serving in the military put their dreams and goals on hold once they deploy for war. Some may never return, others return physically and mentally injured or both; never to realize their dreams or goals. We must always honor these men and women serving our country, not just by words, but by action.
The American Dream is alive, I encourage everyone to dream, set goals and take action.