On Memorial Day I was privileged to be the keynote speaker at the dedication of the Mill Creek Veterans Memorial. First I want to thank all the people of Mill Creek who showed up in a downpour to listen to my message and show their support for the veterans. Then I would like to thank the mayor, the politicians and community members who helped Chuck Wright get this done. Being a Marine Vietnam combat veteran myself, I was as proud as I have ever been to a part of this event.
This memorial is more than just what people see when they visit. To veterans like me it’s “a place.” This is a place we can visit when we need to talk to our brothers and sisters who didn’t make it home from war. This is a place where we can take our kids and talk about our experiences. This is a place where veterans from different wars can gather to hold each other and just be with each other.
As I spoke to the gathering last week and looked into the eyes of the veterans and the community, I could see that I was right. This is an important place and I felt as I stood at the podium that the folks around me were bringing me home. I can never appropriately thank you all for that. But know as you visit, this place matters. My name is there even if you don’t see it. Friends of mine have their names there, even if you don’t see them either. Our hearts are there and I want to say thank you to all the people who put that together and the mayor for letting me be a part of it.
Welcome home to all my brothers and sisters!
Michael G. Reagan
Edmonds
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