SANFORD, Maine-U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered the keynote address during Veterans Day ceremonies today in Sanford.
Following is the full text of her remarks as prepared for delivery:
"Your deeds will live forever on the most glorious pages of American history." That was the message General John J. Pershing sent to his troops when the guns of the First World War fell silent on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in the year 1918. For our veterans and for those who serve today, those words continue to ring true 95 years later.
"It is estimated that some 48 million Americans have served in uniform since the founding of our nation. More than 1.3 million gave their lives to freedom's cause, 1.5 million have been wounded, and some 38,000 have been counted among the missing. Today, 23 million veterans live among us, including more than 130,000 right here in Maine.
"Those numbers are impressive not because of their sheer size, but because they describe the history of a people united by the highest ideals of humanity. Those numbers are not cold statistics. Each one tells a story of courage, sacrifice, and devotion to duty.
"Those virtues reverberate throughout American history, so it is appropriate that Veterans Day now honors all who have defended our nation. Whether they serve in the Army, the Navy, the Marines, the Air Force, the Coast Guard, or the Merchant Marines, and whether they serve in our active duty component, the National Guard, or the Reserves, they pay the price of our freedom in times of conflict. In times of peace, they promote our core values across the world and strengthen our local communities.
"We honor those who paid the ultimate price, whether they lie at rest in foreign lands, in our nation's capital, or in their hometowns. We honor those who lived beyond their years of military service but who have since passed on. We honor those who remain missing and pledge that they never will be forgotten. And we honor those veterans who are with us today. We owe them all a great debt.
"We also honor the parents, the wives and husbands, the children, and the other loved ones of our veterans and our troops. The families left behind face the challenges of carrying on with their day-to-day lives, while suffering from pain caused by separation and worry. Their sacrifices are great, and we thank them as well.
"I appreciate that Paul's introduction mentioned a veteran who is very special to me, my father, Donald Collins. His story is the story that has been told throughout our nation's history.
"Donald Collins enlisted in the Reserve Corps as a freshman at the University of Maine in November of 1943 and was called to active duty on December 29th of that year. He served in the U.S. Army as an infantryman. He saw action in the European Theater and fought at the Battle of the Bulge, where he was wounded twice. He earned the Combat Infantry Badge, two Purple Hearts, and the Bronze Star. Sergeant Collins was discharged on January 20, 1946.
"Then he did what truly distinguishes the men and women of America's armed forces. He came home, gratefully and modestly, and resumed his education under the G.I. Bill. My father never talked much about his sacrifice and the hardships of war. Instead, he worked hard raising six children, running a business his family started in 1844, and serving as Scout leader, Rotarian, Mayor of our hometown, and as a State Senator in the Maine Legislature, among many other civic leadership positions.
"From patriots like my Dad who defended our freedom, all Americans learn about commitment, service, and patriotism. We learn that the burden of service must be borne willingly. We learn that challenges must be met and threats must be confronted. We learn that the mantle of hero must be worn with humility. It is because of the quiet courage of those who serve our country that we take those lessons to heart, honor our veterans, and resolve to pass them on to the generations to come.
"During my years in the Senate, I have seen, again and again, a special quality in our veterans. They continue to find ways to better their communities long after their service in uniform has ended.
"It is an honor to be here today with so many who, through veterans' organizations and service clubs, strengthen your community and extend the hand of compassion. The Military Surplus for Homeless Veterans and Veterans in Need program right here in Sanford is a shining example of veterans helping veterans. The support from local businesses, organizations, and citizens demonstrates the respect all Americans have for those who serve our country.
"As a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Defense, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, I am committed to the well-being of our service members, veterans, and military families who have sacrificed so much. We must support all veterans with the health care, rehabilitation services, housing assistance, and the educational and employment opportunities that they have earned through their service and sacrifice. For the young veterans returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan to unemployment rates that are higher than the national average, education and employment assistance are especially important. In addition to our individual gratitude, we must always be a grateful society.
"It is the American character to answer the call of duty. It also is the American character to honor those who answer that call. It is because of our veterans and those who serve today that our country still stands, that our founding principles remain strong, and that people around the world who once knew tyranny now know the blessings of freedom. They have written the most glorious pages of our history. May God bless our veterans and those in uniform today, and may God bless America."