Patriotism is remembered and honored on Veteran's Day

Editor's Note: The following is a brief excerpt of Carolyn Ford's remarks at the 2012 Veteran's Day services in Dakota City. For the complete text of Ford's speech, pick up a copy of this week's Humboldt Independent newspaper, or sign up for the new digital online version by clicking on the E-Edition link above. I appreciate this opportunity to speak to all of you about something that is very near and dear to my heart and that is patriotism and love of country. We are here today to honor our heroes, to remember their achievements, and to say “Thank You” for their sacrifices. We are gathered here today in the midst of patriots and the family and friends of those who have nobly served. I hope that with this opportunity that I have been given, you will walk away from this public gathering with renewed respect and love for all military serving in all capacities in all parts of the world. For nearly 250 years, men and women have underwritten our freedom by their duty, honor, and selfless service. A veteran is someone who, at one point, wrote a blank check made payable to “HIS COUNTRY” for an amount of “up to and including his life.”