WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.000 music 00:00:08.000 --> 00:00:16.000 music 00:00:16.000 --> 00:00:24.000 music 00:00:24.000 --> 00:00:32.000 music 00:00:32.000 --> 00:00:40.000 music 00:00:40.000 --> 00:00:48.000 music 00:00:48.000 --> 00:00:53.000 From the Halls of Montezuma 00:00:53.000 --> 00:00:57.000 To the shores of Tripoli. 00:00:57.000 --> 00:00:61.000 music 00:01:01.000 --> 00:01:05.000 Over hill, over dale we will hit the dusty trail 00:01:05.000 --> 00:01:09.000 And the caissons go rolling along. 00:01:09.000 --> 00:01:13.000 Anchors Aweigh, my boys, 00:01:13.000 --> 00:01:17.000 Anchors Aweigh. 00:01:17.000 --> 00:01:21.000 Off we go into the wild blue yonder, 00:01:21.000 --> 00:01:26.000 Climbing high into the sun. 00:01:26.000 --> 00:01:31.000 Oh, say can you see 00:01:31.000 --> 00:01:35.000 By the dawn's early light 00:01:35.000 --> 00:01:40.000 What so proudly we hailed 00:01:40.000 --> 00:01:45.000 At the twilight's last gleaming? 00:01:45.000 --> 00:01:51.000 The candle was lit symbolizing the upward reach of their unconquerable spirit. Remember. 00:01:51.000 --> 00:01:58.000 A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate. Remember. 00:01:58.000 --> 00:01:65.000 There is salt upon the bread plate symbolic of the family's tears as they wait. Remember. 00:02:05.000 --> 00:02:10.000 The glass is inverted. They cannot toast with us this night. Remember. 00:02:10.000 --> 00:02:16.000 The chair, the chair is empty. They are not here. Remember. 00:02:16.000 --> 00:02:19.000 Remember. All of you who served with them and called them comrades 00:02:19.000 --> 00:02:24.000 Who depended upon their might and aid and relied upon them, for surely they have not forsaken you. 00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:31.000 Remember. Remember until the day they come home. Remember. 00:02:31.000 --> 00:02:35.000 Each May we band together to remember those men and women 00:02:35.000 --> 00:02:39.000 Who ventured bravely into the face of danger and did not return. 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:44.000 I've met scarcely a soul who has not had their lives touched by a service member 00:02:44.000 --> 00:02:50.000 Who left to answer the call of danger, praying nightly that this person would return, 00:02:50.000 --> 00:02:55.000 But for some, their prayers went unanswered. 00:02:55.000 --> 00:02:60.000 It seems almost insulting to ask those affected to remember 00:03:00.000 --> 00:03:04.000 But I know that, like me, they will never forget 00:03:04.000 --> 00:03:10.000 Because those of you whose loved ones returned, I would ask you to think of those who did not 00:03:10.000 --> 00:03:13.000 And please remember. 00:03:13.000 --> 00:03:19.000 Unlike many of us here, several Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines 00:03:19.000 --> 00:03:25.000 Never got the chance to cash in those titles and accept the title of veteran. 00:03:25.000 --> 00:03:30.000 There are still more than 82,000 military personnel missing in action 00:03:30.000 --> 00:03:33.000 From every conflict since World War II 00:03:33.000 --> 00:03:37.000 Who never received the honor of being referred to 00:03:37.000 --> 00:03:40.000 As a United States veteran. 00:03:40.000 --> 00:03:44.000 We will never stop looking for them, and I know that every veteran here 00:03:44.000 --> 00:03:51.000 Would relinquish their title to bring those missing in action back home. 00:03:51.000 --> 00:03:55.000 But until all 82,000 are brought home, 00:03:55.000 --> 00:03:58.000 We will remember. 00:03:58.000 --> 00:03:60.000 It is a good time to be a veteran. 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:03.000 Organizations like the Oregon Department of Veteran Affairs, 00:04:03.000 --> 00:04:08.000 Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion all help to ensure that. 00:04:08.000 --> 00:04:12.000 I can honestly say that I feel we honor our heroes today 00:04:12.000 --> 00:04:15.000 But that honor was hard earned. 00:04:15.000 --> 00:04:20.000 It was earned by the veterans who years before 00:04:20.000 --> 00:04:24.000 And honored by those veterans who gave 00:04:24.000 --> 00:04:27.000 What Civil War President, Abraham Lincoln, 00:04:27.000 --> 00:04:33.000 Famously referred to as the last full measure of devotion. 00:04:33.000 --> 00:04:40.000 If you are a veteran today, you need to look back at those who paved the way for you and always 00:04:40.000 --> 00:04:42.000 Remember them. 00:04:42.000 --> 00:04:46.000 Our thirty fifth President, John F Kennedy 00:04:46.000 --> 00:04:52.000 A navy veteran of World War II and Purple Heart recipient once said 00:04:52.000 --> 00:04:56.000 As we express our gratitude, we must never forget 00:04:56.000 --> 00:04:59.000 The highest appreciation is not to utter words 00:04:59.000 --> 00:04:62.000 But to live by them. 00:05:02.000 --> 00:05:06.000 It is not enough to say thanks or to simply mourn openly. 00:05:06.000 --> 00:05:11.000 We must live lives that would bring honor to those who have fallen. 00:05:11.000 --> 00:05:15.000 For every veteran here, know that you are living the lives 00:05:15.000 --> 00:05:20.000 That your brothers and sisters in arms never got to live. 00:05:20.000 --> 00:05:25.000 Every opportunity you squander is an opportunity they never received, 00:05:25.000 --> 00:05:28.000 So make the best of every opportunity. 00:05:28.000 --> 00:05:35.000 You owe it not only to yourselves, but to the ones who's opportunities were cut short. 00:05:36.000 --> 00:05:39.000 We get this day, this one day, to mourn them, 00:05:39.000 --> 00:05:43.000 But we must spend the other 364 days 00:05:43.000 --> 00:05:47.000 Living for them, living lives that honor them. 00:05:47.000 --> 00:05:52.000 So make the best of your opportunities and live a life that honors them 00:05:52.000 --> 00:05:56.000 And remember. 00:06:00.000 --> 00:06:05.000 I now have the distinct honor of introducing our next speaker. 00:06:05.000 --> 00:06:10.000 If I were to name all the ways that Oregon Department of Veteran Affairs Director, 00:06:10.000 --> 00:06:16.000 Kelly Fitzpatrick has helped veterans, I'd be here all night, and I think y'all already had enough of me. 00:06:16.000 --> 00:06:19.000 So I will just go ahead and highlight a few. 00:06:19.000 --> 00:06:24.000 After sixteen years as an Army officer, Kelly attained her Juris Doctor 00:06:24.000 --> 00:06:28.000 And worked in D.C. for the under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. 00:06:28.000 --> 00:06:33.000 Kelly then worked as the veteran representative for Senator Jeff Merkley 00:06:33.000 --> 00:06:39.000 Ensuring that issues of Oregon Vets are addressed in timely manner. 00:06:39.000 --> 00:06:43.000 Kelly now serves in her current role as the ODVA Director, 00:06:43.000 --> 00:06:48.000 The first woman ever appointed in that role. 00:06:48.000 --> 00:06:52.000 So it is without further gilding the lily and with no more ado 00:06:52.000 --> 00:06:56.000 That I welcome to the podium Kelly Fitzpatrick. 00:06:56.000 --> 00:06:60.000 On behalf of Governor Brown and the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs 00:07:00.000 --> 00:07:04.000 It's an honor to be here this evening among fellow veterans and 00:07:04.000 --> 00:07:09.000 So many proud Oregonians, such strong supporters of veterans. 00:07:09.000 --> 00:07:14.000 It's an honor to be here, and especially in remembrance of 00:07:14.000 --> 00:07:17.000 Such important people as our veterans, who 00:07:17.000 --> 00:07:21.000 Died in service to our great country. 00:07:21.000 --> 00:07:25.000 It's ODVA's mission to honor, serve and advocate for veterans. 00:07:25.000 --> 00:07:29.000 It's wonderful to know that Western Oregon University 00:07:29.000 --> 00:07:32.000 Is a partner in that effort. Our campus veterans 00:07:32.000 --> 00:07:37.000 Program has been a great success here. Western Oregon is really 00:07:37.000 --> 00:07:41.000 Setting the bar very high for other colleges and universities across the state 00:07:41.000 --> 00:07:45.000 In executing the Campus Veterans Program, and I know that some of the other 00:07:45.000 --> 00:07:49.000 Student organizations are trying to emulate some of what Western has done. 00:07:49.000 --> 00:07:53.000 So thank you to President Fuller and the school 00:07:53.000 --> 00:07:58.000 And leadership in the university for doing that for our veterans. 00:07:58.000 --> 00:07:62.000 The school's Veteran Resource Center 00:08:02.000 --> 00:08:06.000 Really has set the bar vary high and has a reputation of excellent service. 00:08:06.000 --> 00:08:10.000 I hope that continues, and as we go forward with 00:08:10.000 --> 00:08:13.000 The program, we're hoping that it's going to be made 00:08:13.000 --> 00:08:18.000 Permanent by the legislature. It's currently being considered and 00:08:18.000 --> 00:08:22.000 Hopefully when the legislative session ends, we'll have a permanent Campus Veterans 00:08:22.000 --> 00:08:27.000 Program so that we can continue great programs such as Western's. 00:08:27.000 --> 00:08:32.000 Every year when it comes to Memorial Day I'm struck by the powerful and often 00:08:32.000 --> 00:08:35.000 Opposing emotions that the day stirs. 00:08:35.000 --> 00:08:40.000 We celebrate our freedoms and yet we mourn the cost that they required. 00:08:40.000 --> 00:08:43.000 We look ahead to a bright future 00:08:43.000 --> 00:08:47.000 But we remember the trials and the challenges of the past. 00:08:47.000 --> 00:08:51.000 We honor those who served, but we also grieve their loss. 00:08:51.000 --> 00:08:56.000 Celebration and Sadness, Gratitude and Remorse 00:08:56.000 --> 00:08:60.000 Hope and helplessness. Memorial Day is unique in evoking such a 00:09:00.000 --> 00:09:04.000 Broad spectrum of feeling because it's this holiday that speaks most 00:09:04.000 --> 00:09:11.000 Keenly to our highest ideals as well as the steep price that we pay for them. 00:09:11.000 --> 00:09:16.000 Sadly it's also this day that for many has lost its significance. 00:09:16.000 --> 00:09:20.000 President George W Bush would often tell the story of asking school children 00:09:20.000 --> 00:09:26.000 What the meaning of Memorial Day was only to have them respond It's the day the pool opens. 00:09:26.000 --> 00:09:32.000 For many Oregonians, Memorial Day is primarily the unofficial start of the summer recreation season, 00:09:32.000 --> 00:09:34.000 A chance to enjoy the sate's amazing 00:09:34.000 --> 00:09:40.000 Forests and trails and rivers and lakes and mountain trails. We should enjoy our state 00:09:40.000 --> 00:09:43.000 All that our state has to offer, but we should also keep in mind 00:09:43.000 --> 00:09:47.000 The words of another president John F Kennedy 00:09:47.000 --> 00:09:51.000 A nation reveals itself not only by the citizens it produces, 00:09:51.000 --> 00:09:57.000 But also by the citizens it honors, the citizens it remembers. 00:09:57.000 --> 00:09:61.000 We must remember the fallen because the courage, the strength 00:10:01.000 --> 00:10:05.000 The selflessness and the sacrifice of each one of these brave warrirors 00:10:05.000 --> 00:10:09.000 Is the ideal to which we all should aspire. 00:10:09.000 --> 00:10:13.000 On Memorial Day and at events such as these I think of 00:10:13.000 --> 00:10:18.000 Bob Maxwell, a great American and Oregonian, whom we lost earlier this month. 00:10:18.000 --> 00:10:22.000 Bob was a World War II solider and until his death 00:10:22.000 --> 00:10:25.000 The only Medal of Honor recipient still living in our state. 00:10:25.000 --> 00:10:29.000 While he did not die fighting for our country, he fearlessly faced 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:33.000 Death in a way few Americans ever have. 00:10:33.000 --> 00:10:37.000 He earned that medal, the US Military's highest decoration for valor, 00:10:37.000 --> 00:10:42.000 For the courage he showed during a battle in September 1944 00:10:42.000 --> 00:10:47.000 When a live German hand grenade was tossed in the midst of his squad. 00:10:47.000 --> 00:10:52.000 Without a second thought, he hurled himself upon it, shielding his comrades from the blast, 00:10:52.000 --> 00:10:56.000 With nothing but a blanket and his unprotected body. 00:10:56.000 --> 00:10:60.000 Maxwell cheated death that day though he carried shrapnel in his body 00:11:00.000 --> 00:11:04.000 For the rest of his life. It was a life he dedicated in humble service 00:11:04.000 --> 00:11:08.000 To the veteran community and to the memories of his brothers in arms 00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:12.000 Who never got the chance to come home. 00:11:12.000 --> 00:11:16.000 I'm also reminded of local heroes from the current war in Iraq, 00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:19.000 Such as Army Corporal Jessica Ellis. 00:11:19.000 --> 00:11:24.000 Doc Ellis, as she was known, was a combat medic who served two tours in Iraq. 00:11:24.000 --> 00:11:28.000 Both times with the Army's Screaming Eagle's the 101st airborne division. 00:11:28.000 --> 00:11:33.000 She was killed on May eleventh 2008, Mother's Day 00:11:33.000 --> 00:11:37.000 When her armored vehicle was struck by three projectile bombs. 00:11:37.000 --> 00:11:40.000 It was a road clearing convoy, one of the most dangerous assignments, 00:11:40.000 --> 00:11:44.000 Because the convoys travel slowly and make easy targets. 00:11:44.000 --> 00:11:49.000 And she had barely survived a road blast just three weeks earlier. 00:11:49.000 --> 00:11:53.000 But when another medic had been unable to accompany the Mother's Day convoy, 00:11:53.000 --> 00:11:57.000 Doc Ellis volunteered to take their place. 00:11:57.000 --> 00:11:63.000 She wanted to look after the soldiers. Her close friend, Sergeant Bruce Hilway recalled afterward, 00:12:03.000 --> 00:12:07.000 She was determined to help her boys. 00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:13.000 Additionally, I want to give tribute to the Gold Star families who are here. I 00:12:13.000 --> 00:12:16.000 Was out at an Ontario event for veterans 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:19.000 A couple weekends ago, and I met the family members 00:12:19.000 --> 00:12:23.000 Of another war hero, young Joshua Brennan, 00:12:23.000 --> 00:12:27.000 Who was a native of Ontario. He served in the army. 00:12:27.000 --> 00:12:32.000 And when he was in Afghanistan, he was killed by the Taliban. 00:12:32.000 --> 00:12:36.000 Ironically, he had had the chance to rotate back home, 00:12:36.000 --> 00:12:41.000 And he decided not to. He told his father that he wanted to stay there with his friends in Afghanistan. 00:12:41.000 --> 00:12:45.000 And so shortly after he had made that decision, 00:12:45.000 --> 00:12:48.000 He was killed by the Taliban. When I met his 00:12:48.000 --> 00:12:51.000 His family members a couple weekends ago, 00:12:51.000 --> 00:12:56.000 They were still grieving, and their grief was boundless. 00:12:56.000 --> 00:12:61.000 But, you know, I was also very struck by their absolute pride 00:13:01.000 --> 00:13:05.000 And love for their son, and just recalling some of 00:13:05.000 --> 00:13:08.000 The great things that he did at such an early age, 00:13:08.000 --> 00:13:12.000 He died at twenty two, but he will live on in their memories 00:13:12.000 --> 00:13:16.000 And in the memories of the people of Ontario because now there's 00:13:16.000 --> 00:13:19.000 A library that has his name on it. 00:13:19.000 --> 00:13:22.000 So we must never forget the true cost of war. 00:13:22.000 --> 00:13:27.000 It's a price paid not in dollars and cents but with the blood of our heroes. 00:13:27.000 --> 00:13:32.000 They were nothing less than the best America had to offer. Those answered the call 00:13:32.000 --> 00:13:35.000 When their nation needed them, who paid the ultimate price 00:13:35.000 --> 00:13:38.000 To protect us and our way of life. 00:13:38.000 --> 00:13:44.000 The stories of their sacrifice are forever woven into the fabric of our nation and its history. 00:13:44.000 --> 00:13:49.000 They gave their lives on the foreign soils of Europe, the black sands of the South Pacific, 00:13:49.000 --> 00:13:54.000 The frozen reaches of Korea, and the sweltering jungles of Vietnam, 00:13:54.000 --> 00:13:57.000 The scorching deserts of Afghanistan and Iraq 00:13:57.000 --> 00:13:61.000 And in many other places across the globe. 00:14:01.000 --> 00:14:05.000 Each one represents the loss of a bright and shining light in the lives 00:14:05.000 --> 00:14:09.000 Of their families, a pain that they feel everyday 00:14:09.000 --> 00:14:14.000 Not just on Memorial Day. We remember and honor their sacrifice as well. 00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:18.000 They too paid a great price for the freedoms we now enjoy. 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:22.000 Our heroes are as diverse as the country itself. 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:27.000 Like so few things in the world today, the courage to give one's life and service to one's nation 00:14:27.000 --> 00:14:30.000 Knows no boundaries and no prejudice. 00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:35.000 Men and women, rich and poor, our nation's fallen heroes are counted 00:14:35.000 --> 00:14:38.000 Among every race, every color, every creed 00:14:38.000 --> 00:14:41.000 Every tribe in every corner of our great nation. 00:14:41.000 --> 00:14:44.000 The world is a better place because of them 00:14:44.000 --> 00:14:46.000 Because they lived and because they served. 00:14:46.000 --> 00:14:52.000 May we never forget what these men and women have sacrificed and what their loved ones have lost. 00:14:52.000 --> 00:14:59.000 We are a stronger nation for their service, and we must never forget their sacrifice. 00:14:59.000 --> 00:14:62.000 Thank you. applause 00:15:02.000 --> 00:15:06.000 I'd want to take a little bit of time here and go off script if you don't mind. Colin, 00:15:06.000 --> 00:15:10.000 If I could get you to come up here, I would just like to make a presentation 00:15:10.000 --> 00:15:15.000 To you. Those of you who have been in the military, are familiar with Challenge Coins, 00:15:15.000 --> 00:15:18.000 And ODVA has a Challenge Coin. 00:15:18.000 --> 00:15:21.000 That I present on rare occasions and recognition of 00:15:21.000 --> 00:15:26.000 Individuals who have been and continue to be of great service to veterans. 00:15:26.000 --> 00:15:30.000 And so, Colin, I just wanted to present this to you. Thank you so much. 00:15:30.000 --> 00:15:35.000 applause 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:39.000 And if President Fuller is here, 00:15:39.000 --> 00:15:44.000 I was speaking with him earlier. President Fuller, if you wouldn't mind coming to the stage, I'd like to 00:15:44.000 --> 00:15:49.000 Give you a coin as well. 00:15:49.000 --> 00:15:53.000 Thank you so much for supporting the Veteran Resource Center and allowing 00:15:53.000 --> 00:15:57.000 Colin and other individuals, the Student Veterans of America, 00:15:57.000 --> 00:15:61.000 To support our veterans in the student population. 00:16:01.000 --> 00:16:04.000 applause 00:16:04.000 --> 00:16:11.000 music 00:16:11.000 --> 00:16:16.000 music 00:16:16.000 --> 00:16:26.000 music 00:16:26.000 --> 00:16:35.000 music 00:16:35.000 --> 00:16:41.000 music