Blue Star Memorial Marker

Dedication

7 November 2014

A previous post here contained the pictures of this event which was Sponsored by the Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. in Cooperation with the State of Georgia.  It was my Honor to be asked to speak at this event as a Veteran of our Armed Forces.  Here is a copy of my comments:

Remarks by Retired Sailor Alan F. E. Thiese at the Blue Star Memorial Marker on the Grounds of the State of Georgia Capital on Friday, November 7, 2014:

Why Are We Here ?  This dedication is not about the impact that our Military makes in our Great State of Georgia.  It is about our Georgia Heroes!!!

Today we unveil and also dedicate this Memorial Marker to remind ourselves and all who follow us of the rich heritage we have inherited because of those who have served or are serving in our Military.

This Memorial Marker and hundreds like it throughout our United States of America Honors and Remembers our Past Heroes.

During World War I through the Gulf War over 732,000 citizens from Georgia served in our Military.  Over 11,000 were Killed In Action.  We Remember these Heroes today!!!!

This Marker also recognizes our Current Heroes, serving in our Military and is one Small Gesture of respect we have as we Salute them here today!!!

As of August 2013 we had over One Million 432 thousand Men and Women on Active Duty in  our Military.  This does not include the Reserve Components that are also being deployed to situations all over our World.

Now to focus on our current Georgia Heroes who are stationed in Georgia!!!  The following is a breakdown of Active Duty Service personnel as of  August 30, 2013. 

U.S. Army – 55,689

U. S. Air Force – 9,501

U. S. Navy – 5,510

U. S. Marines – 1,409

U. S. Coast Guard – 508

This totals to 72,617 Active Duty.  The total number of Civilians to support these Heroes is 35,679.

These Heroes serve us all at thirteen Military Bases and Installations throughout Georgia.

Now to reflect on our Veterans who live in Georgia.  As of 30 September 2014 we have:

742,882 Veterans of which 572,382 are from War Time.  A total of 180,500 Peace Time Veterans also reside in Georgia.  A total of 662,501 of these Veterans are Male and 90,382 are Female.  So we are not only Honoring Male Heroes, but Female Heroes also.

This Marker is also dedicated to the Heroes who will stand up for our rights in the future!!

They, like our Past Heroes and our Present Heroes will carry the mantle of defending our way of life.  They will also be able to reflect on what our Past Heroes and our Current Heroes have accomplished.  Like us assembled here today, they can look back with intense pride on the accomplishments of our Military!!!!

So the Challenge I submit to each of you here today is:“What can We, You and I, do to preserve our way of life in the United States of America and the State of Georgia? 

We simply must share with our Children, our Grandchildren and our Great Grandchildren the awesome accomplishments of those who have served, those who currently serve us, and yes, those who will serve us in the future the Heritage we have and also look forward to in the future.  We Remember our past and Honor those who serve us now as we dedicate this Marker, here at the State Capital of Georgia.  This event will display to all pass this marker that we have not forgotten.  The accomplishments of our Heroes has been noticed and will continue to be noticed..We must share the deeds these Heroes have accomplished, are even now performing and the responsibilities we lay on future generations of Defenders as they also step up to serve and protect our United States of America and the State of Georgia.

To do less would be a failure on our part!!!!

Before you depart this building today I would suggest that you take the time to visit the Georgia’s Medal of Honor display to my left.   You will learn that the first citizen of Georgia to earn this Medal did so during the Civil War in 1864.

Thank You for your attention to these remarks as “We Remember our Heroes, We Salute our Current Heroes and look Forward to a Free America in the future; which will be enabled by those who will accept the duties to protect us All.”