Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada November, 2005:
| Welcome home, you guys.
I am so excited to be here. In July of this year, I was honored to be a part of Operation Homecoming for Viet Nam Veterans in Branson, Missouri. Today, again, I am thrilled and honored to be here and welcome you home. You all represent the America that I love and cherish. I did my first USO show when I was a freshman at Northwestern University. We went to Iceland and Germany. In 1966 and 1969 I went to Viet Nam to perform and to entertain - but I received so much more than I could ever give. I was very young and I looked at you young men and women and you inspired me with your courage, your bravery, your youth, your lives, your love of country and each other. I can never put into words what it was like looking out from a makeshift stage and seeing the faces from small towns - from large cities - boys - many of them not yet men - but doing a man's job. You were constantly facing the unknown yet never hesitating - never backing off - but moving forward - such courage - such strength - such heroism from one group to another. And I remember the applause - and the laughter - the moments of joy.... and then we would leave - and you once again, faced another day and night of danger. And there were other heroes too. All of the wives, husbands, parents, children, brothers and sisters who were left behind and waited back home for your safe return. I hold these memories near and dear. I realize that I learned so much from that experience going to Viet Nam, and although I was never very good at geography, I can still recall places that I want to: Da Nang, Chu Lai, PHu Bai, Cam Rahn Bay, Bien Hoa, Cu Chi, Play Cu, Quant Tri, The Kitty Hawk, The Yorktown... You veterans represent what America is all about: Hope - family - unity - grace- and love. I want you all to know you have my respect, my admiration and my loyalty. Thank the Good Lord that you all are back here oout of harms way. In the United States of America. God Bless You and Welcome Home!! |