Sweet Home’s mayor did not serve in the military, but Monday, during the annual Memorial Day service at Gilliland Cemetery, Craig Fentiman shared his appreciation for those who did serve and especially for those who died defending the United States. Here is his address:
“It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to speak to you today. It is so important that we recognize the contributions of the brave men and women who made the decision to serve our country.
When I was first asked to come here today and speak to all of you, I wasn’t sure if I deserved the honor, having never served in the military. I wondered what I could possibly say that was worthy of these heroes, how I could put my admiration and gratitude into words.
My father was a World War II veteran. I learned form him the commitment and dedication that calls someone to serve our country. He was so committed to answering the call that he found ways to overcome the obstacles that would have prevented him from joining the Navy.
My dad was colorblind but found an eye doctor that would help him overcome his disability. The doctor flashed different colored lights in his eyes until he learned how to distinguish colors and could pass the colorblindness test.
He was also only 17 at the time, but nothing, not even age or colorblindness, could stop him from fighting for his country. He went on to serve on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific.
The values and work ethic that he developed during his service carried him through his career and beyond. He managed to work his way up the corporate ladder, climbing from the ranks of a traveling salesman to vice president and general manager.
He was truly an inspiration to me and all of the lives he touched. And although he passed many years ago, his impression is still as strong as it was when I was a child.
Many of us know the power of this call to serve, that constant whisper that continues to grow into a scream until you are unable to ignore it. It is the force that drives you to keep going when it gets hard or painful. It reminds you that the pain of not doing is far greater than the pain of doing.
My role as a public servant does not put me in harm’s way as public service does for those who make the magnificent sacrifice to serve in our military. However, I do understand and deeply respect the undeniable force that propels them to protect our nation and neighbors.
Their commitment to defending this country’s Constitution and freedoms allows me to serve the citizens of Sweet Home. It allows me to work hard for the members of this community in the hope that I will help to make this amazing little city an even better place to live, work and raise children. This is a privilege that I am grateful for every day, and I am reminded that this gift comes from the people that have defended and are currently defending this country.
We are here to remember and honor those who have bravely served our country, but let’s also not forget those that are not here today because they are serving our country as I speak.
There are thousands of brave women and men in harm’s way right now, and it is my sincere hope that they will come home to us quickly and safely. As a father of a grown child, my heart goes out to the parents and families who have loved ones currently serving in our military. Your commitment and sacrifice is as admirable as those who serve themselves. I know that there is a part of you halfway around the world with them.
I stand here humbled and amazed by those we honor today. They have given of themselves nobly for the dreams and freedom that we all share. They keep us safe and free.
They give us the right to challenge authority when we do not agree, to speak out against the government when we think that what they are doing is wrong.
And because of our brave military, we can do all of this without fear of retaliation or retribution. They ensure that we all have the opportunity to reach our goals and answer our call to duty, wherever it may take us.”