Marine Corps veteran, Daniel Jackson, referred to comments by Ronald Reagan during the Veterans Day observance in Junction City, noting that the former president said freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
Jackson spoke at the C. L. Hoover Opera House. ” We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same. ” Jackson said we live in the greatest nation. “We are the greatest nation on earth because of the incredible patriots such as yourselves, and those who have answered the call before you to defend our nation and our way of life.”
Jackson, who is the current Geary County Sheriff, stated that we gather on Veterans Day to thank veterans and celebrate their gallantry in service. “But as veterans I think we would be remiss to not also use Veterans Day to invigorate our commitment to each other and to those who still fight their inner demons.”
( Photo L-R ) Casaundra Baker, national anthem singer and Junction City High School JROTC who posted the colors.
Jackson noted that 22 veterans per day commit suicide and thousands of veterans are homeless. ” Countless number of veterans have lost their families, their homes, their jobs, all because of the unhealed wounds of the mind and soul.”
Jackson added as a nation we need to take better care of our veterans, veterans need to be politically active and urge lawmakers to do better by veterans, and even more importantly veterans need to engage with one another. “Every veteran knows a buddy who is or has struggled with the inner wounds. More and more programs are being developed by veterans for veterans to help with their needs. We need to seek out those programs and support them until there are no more veterans committing suicide or in need. ”