Congressman Mike Conaway Gives Veterans Day Speech in San Angelo

“I love this country,” congressman Mike Conaway said with a break in his voice. His eyes had glassed and began to redden as tears welled up along the lower lid line. “My dad fought in World War II and in Korea—he was a paratrooper in Korea and had a couple of combat jumps—and my little brother and I were both drafted, so I served in Fort Hood and he served in Vietnam,” Conaway continued.

The representative had come to Fairmount Cemetery in San Angelo on Monday as the keynote speaker at the annual Veterans Day Celebration, and was joined by a number of local residents, students, veterans and current military.

Following an introduction by Friends of Fairmount President Ann West, Conaway gave a brief and succinct speech on the role of the military in protecting the principles this country was founded upon.

“All wars are tragedies, but despite the loss of life, they’re also the source of hope for the future,” Conaway said. “Our service men and women have fought these battles on our behalf, because they believe in the freedom, and all the rights and responsibilities that go along with it. “

As Conaway continued, he turned sight to the humanitarian efforts of the military, citing the current disaster in the Philippines, in which Marines are currently assisting. Coupling this humanitarian face with that of war, Conaway directed questions to those who may think America needs to step down from the world stage.

“If America doesn’t defend freedom in the world, which country will? If America doesn’t try to spread democracy to other folks around this world, who will?” Conaway asked.  

He continued by stating that all men and women are created equal and that that belief comes with certain responsibilities, responsibilities like war.

“We will not have freedom and liberty if we do not have men and women in uniform who are willing to take those risks,” he said.

A veteran from a long line of veterans, Conaway has witnessed a climate change in attitudes toward soldiers and veterans over the years, but emphasizes that a future of freedom will be dependent upon support.

“Each generation has to produce those few young men and women who are willing to take the risks and wear our colors,” Conaway said. “They’ll be more likely to do that if they see that the service that veterans have already given is appreciated and honored.”

Fairmount Cemetery is the final resting place of over 1,500 veterans. This year, 76 volunteers donated their time to place flags on each of the veterans’ graves in the cemetery.