I thought, I could very well die. I would be defending the framework and the beliefs of a nation. I would do so against all enemies meaning I might have to fight to save my life, or another's, or our way of life. I might have to do it far removed from the safety of our country — but the country would be safe, or so I thought.

I chose to join the military and part of making that official is the oath — the promise we make to be a part of this elite group of Americans. We made that oral commitment so all will know what our country means to us and what we will do to defend it, its values, and the right to our way of life.

We are here today to pay tribute to those who freely took this oath and ultimately gave their lives. Part of the Memorial Day celebration is a period of silence and reflection at 3 p.m. Please join with me at that time in remembering these young men whom I personally knew that were a part of my generation who answered their country’s calling:

Marine Corp 2d Lt. Ronald Davidson

Marine Corp 1st Lt. Jerry Gorney

Navy Commander John D. Peace, III

Air Force Captain Joseph Resato

Army Sergeant Armor Wilcox, III

From Peninsula were two people who attended Hudson High School:

Army Sergeant Joseph Sobczak

Army Captain Thomas Shafer.

I am a soldier.

I do not choose the time or the place.

Convenience is not in my vocabulary.

I stand at the ready.

When my orders come, I go.

I am a soldier.

I may not see a child born,

A wife, a husband, parents, friends, I may never see them again.

But willingly and with conviction I go.

I am a soldier.

The job that I’m given to do.

I will do even if it costs me my life.

I will do it.

I am a soldier.

A car approaches, a bicycle, a cart.

I fix my stare and hone my senses.

I have but a short time to take action.

But I show restraint, it is part of my job.

I am a soldier.

I repair hospitals, schools and homes.

I help rebuild smiles for people that I’ve never met before.

This too is part of my job.

I am a soldier.

I gaze at those around me.

In a foreign land I see a child.

A wife a husband, parents, friends.

Oh how I wish I were home.

Oh how I wish they were mine.

I am a soldier,

Yes, take me home, but only when the job is done.

Only when the job is done.

I am a soldier.

Thank you for your participation today.

God bless you and God bless America.