Retired Veteran Bill Anderson who served in Vietnam, announced the Senator. He got the event started off on a lighter note
Any man who carries his own jackknife is worth a dollar more. Well, Secret Service has my jackknife, I guess they're due for a raise.
He talked about how, in Vietnam, we fought in a conflict that need not have been fought and likened that to the current war in Iraq. He spoke of Barack being a champion for Veterans. He said Obama will treat them fair and back the GI Bill of Rights helping to propel the VA into the 21st century.
Barack spoke of the sacrifice of servicemen and women,
Their sacrifice has made possible the freedom that we enjoy. And keeping faith with those who serve must always be a core American value and a cornerstone of American patriotism. Because America's commitment to its servicemen and women begins at enlistment, and it must never end...These sons and daughters of America are the best and the bravest among us. When our troops go into battle, they serve no faction or party; they represent no race or region. They are simply Americans. They serve and fight and bleed together out of loyalty not just to a place on a map or a certain kind of people, but to a set of ideals that we have been striving for since the first shots rang out at Lexington and Concord - the idea that America could be governed not by men, but by laws; that we could be equal in the eyes of those laws; that we could be free to say what we want and write what we want and worship as we please; that we could have the right to pursue our individual dreams, but the obligation to help our fellow citizens pursue theirs.
He also spoke of his commitment to those who so bravely served and those who are currently serving as outlined in his pledge to build a 21st century VA as President.
You can read his full remarks here.
What makes an event successful are the people who attend it. The supporters and the curious alike. Although our stories, our beliefs, our struggles and our concerns may differ, they also bring us together, as they did today.
Among those in attendance was Randy, an Air Force Veteran, having served 23 years. Randy was initially a John Edwards supporter, but started leaning towards Senator Obama after learning more about him and where he stands on the issues. When asked what brought him here today, Randy said,
I want to hear him speak today to solidify in my mind that I made the right choice.
With Randy was Dorothy, what really impressed her was walking into the campaign office and seeing all the youth, of all different backgrounds and all different ethnicities. Dorothy said, “The youth have to be involved for things to change.”
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In line again today to board one of the shuttle buses to the event site was Seung, who, although she rarely leaves her home, stood in line Tuesday in 89-degree heat to get the tickets for today's events. In acknowledging the fact that Barack is human, she said,
I'm sure he will make mistakes, but I am sure he will recognize them and act quickly to correct them. We all make mistakes, we can't learn unless we do, that's what we tell our children.
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Seung said that she is supporting Barack more for her children's future than for any other reason.
Another Veteran in attendance today was Ralph Maxwell who served in the US Army from 1921 to 1945. What draws Ralph, along with his wife Liz, to Barack is the change, which Liz emphasized was more than just words.
After eight years of disaster and fiscal irresponsibility, who wouldn't look for change? He is the ideal candidate.
Mark, who lives in Devil's lake, 165 miles away, started his journey last night and arrived at the shuttle site at 7:30 this morning, hoping to be first in line for this rare opportunity.
It's not very often people [politicians] come to North Dakota, so you've got to take advantage of that. It's so different seeing it live. On TV you can see the enthusiasm, but here you get to feel it.
Mark usually votes Independent, but, like so many other people, is hungry for change. When asked why he supports Senator Obama, Mark replied,
I hate to be redundant, but it's the change. We need change. McCain is more of the same.
Kevin, a member of the IAM union, was originally a Clinton supporter, but says he's now behind Obama 110%. His children are all enthusiastic supporters as well. Nine year old Hunter wrote a four page report on Barack for school.
Anne and Mary attended the event together. Although Mary originally was a Clinton fan, she expressed her full support and confidence in Senator Obama
He's brilliant, he reminds me of JFK, his wife is wonderful, he really cares. It's exciting that he's here in North Dakota, that says something right there.
Anne has always been an Obama supporter and says, “he knows the change we need and he'll do it”. She expressed her confidence in his promise and ability to get us out of Iraq, to change No Child Left Behind and to help to improve the Education system.
Ron, a Libertarian who originally supported Ron Paul told the story of how when he was in line at the caucus to vote for Ron Paul, he realized he was making the wrong choice, left the line and voted for Obama. Ron, like many others, supports Obama out of concern for his son's future
I won Nixon's lottery, I don't want my son to win McCain's
He says, about change,
I don't think it's just a slogan, I think he's really going to do it.
Paul's son Jack, an 18 year old first time voter, was also in attendance.
“Change” was a resounding theme at today's event and was on everyone's mind. At the end of the speech the Senator took some time to answer questions. While most were concerned about the war in Iraq, potential war with Iran, and health care, what was on Chance's mind, a young Chicago Bears fan getting ready to enter the sixth grade, was education. He wanted to know what Barack was going to do for schools and undereducated children. Barack went on the discuss his education plan, highlighting No Child Left Behind reform, raising standards, promoting art and music education, science and technology and emphasized the need for parents to be involved in and responsible for their child's education.
Pat and Beatrice thought the speech was inspiring and the event well organized. Beatrice said it was very patriotic of him to speak to Veterans today. She said he reminded her of Bobby Kennedy.
These are just a few of the many stories and the many people there today. People all across the country, from all walks of life; different ethnicities, backgrounds, political affiliations, ages, economica status', we are coming together in a way unseen in many of our lifetime. In a way that we have to come together because, as Barack has said, “change doesn't happen from the top down, it happens from the bottom up.” We are it, we are the ones. If you have never been involved in politics before, now is the time. Sign up today at North Dakota for Obama to stay updated and informed and to a part of this historical movement.
Together we can make history.
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