James T. Smith, Jr.
Veteran’s Day Commemoration

November 10, 2008

It is an honor to join you today for Baltimore County’s Commemoration of Veteran’s Day.

I think I speak for everyone here when I say how glad I am that we are joined by Colonel Jim Coleman. Colonel, your service to our Country is inspiring and humbling. On behalf of a grateful County, I thank you for all that you and your fellow veterans have done for us.

History

Nearly a century ago, across an ocean and on the fields of Europe, the world found itself entrenched in a war so horrible, it was called “The War to End All Wars.” This conflict was so brutal, that people in every country around the globe gained a new understanding and a new appreciation for the courage and valor of soldiers as well as the horror of war. That is why every year, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the anniversary of that war’s end, countries across the world honor the sacrifice and heroism of their soldiers. In Europe, it is known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day. In America, it is now Veteran’s Day.

Tragically, World War I was not the war to end all wars. Since its conclusion, men and women from every community in America have been called to serve their nation far more often than any American would like. The call to arms is not an easy one for our nation, and it never should be. But as a people, we are continually humbled by the bravery and sacrifice displayed by our men and women in uniform in the battlefields of Europe, the islands of the pacific, the hills of Korea, the jungles of Vietnam, the mountains of Afghanistan, and the deserts of Iraq.

Veterans Come From All Walk of Life

The soldiers who protect this nation are part of the fabric of America. They are from all walks of life. They are fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters. They are our bosses and co-workers, our friends and neighbors, our mentors and students. The men and women who serve in our Armed Forces and Armed Forces Reserve come from backgrounds as diverse as the nation they serve. But they are united by a common courage and dedication that has driven them to answer the call to service and protect their nation and the liberty of their fellow citizens.

In 1776, a group of men in Philadelphia created a nation that was unlike any the world had ever seen. The United States of America was founded upon the simple idea that the government derived its power not from any divine mandate or hereditary right, but from the will of the people and that all those people were created equal. For two centuries, the heroism and sacrifice of America’s soldiers and veterans have protected our freedom and kept the dream that is America alive. This is a debt that we can never repay. But as a grateful nation, we must do what we can to show our appreciation for what they have done and give them the support they deserve.

Homefront Web Site

That is why Baltimore County maintains the Homefront Website. This website provides veterans returning from overseas service and their families with an internet resource that puts all the services and programs available to them in one place. Information from the Homefront website and members of the Homefront work group are present today if any of our veterans require any assistance. But while we provide this support, we must also let our veterans know how much we appreciate their service.

Today, in honor of the veterans of Baltimore County, who have done so much and risked so much on behalf of this great nation, we are dedicating this plaza as Patriot Plaza.

Patriot Plaza Named

Flags representing every branch of the United States Armed Services will be erected along the plaza fountain with plaques for each branch of the service at the base of each flagpole.  It is fitting that we erect this memorial in the heart of Baltimore County’s seat of government between the police and fire memorials. As every branch of our government works to create a brighter future for the people of our communities, we will be reminded of the sacrifices that make that future possible.

Patriot Plaza is going to be an outstanding addition to Towson. I thank Dave Phillips, a Baltimore County employee, who first voiced the idea of using this plaza to commemorate our veterans. This is a heartfelt gesture and a demonstration of the admiration that all Baltimore County employees and residents have for our veterans. I also thank Bryan Dunn, our graphic designer, who always does remarkable work and has outdone himself once again in designing this memorial.

Finally, while no words I can say will ever be enough, I want the veterans of Baltimore County to know that you have the thanks of every citizen of every County community for all that you have done.