Senator Peter Welch: Remarks on the 25th Anniversary of the September 11th Attacks

Duration: 6:16 670 transcript words EN summary

Video summary

Senator Peter Welch begins his remarks by expressing deep humility and profound gratitude for being present to honor the military members who defended the nation twenty-five years after the September 11th attacks. Although he, like most Americans, did not serve in the armed forces, he emphasizes a shared sense of thankfulness toward those who made the difficult decision to uphold and defend the Constitution. He acknowledges that this commitment required immense sacrifice, noting that Vermont service members and their families have paid a very high price through various conflicts since 9/11. Welch speaks on behalf of millions of citizens who benefit from this protection while highlighting the extraordinary necessity of that defense during such a critical period in history. The Senator then shifts his focus to the nature of the threats faced by the country, acknowledging that adversaries will continue to use force and division as tools against the United States. However, he contrasts these external dangers with the internal strength found within the military guard itself, particularly their discipline, teamwork, and readiness. He praises the soldiers for their daily dedication to training and coordination, explaining that true success in combat relies on functioning as a cohesive unit rather than pursuing individual glory. This spirit of cooperation allows them to remain intensely engaged even when viewed from a distance by civilians, ensuring they are competent and confident in their ability to help one another during critical moments. Welch also addresses the human cost of service, specifically touching upon the emotional burden placed on families who must endure long separations, such as deployments around Christmas time. He points out the heartbreaking reality faced by young children left behind when a parent is called away for months, urging non-service members to remain aware of these challenges so they can support efforts to keep families intact until their loved ones return home. He argues that while military strength, immediate response capacity, and rigorous training are essential, the most vital quality is the care shown for fellow soldiers, community members, and state residents. In his concluding thoughts, Senator Welch frames the military's example as a model for what the entire country needs to cultivate: a balance of strength with deep compassion. He asserts that cooperation and teamwork ultimately defeat any foe, whereas division weakens a nation against its enemies. By caring for those within their units and communities, service members contribute to building a stronger state and a more resilient country. The speech ends with a heartfelt expression of gratitude not only for the soldiers' service but also for the inspiring example they set through their dedication to protecting others while maintaining the integrity of their families and communities.

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Thank you, Governor Scott. I would now like to introduce the honorable Peter, United States Senator, Vermont. [applause] [cheering] Uh, thank you. Thank you very much. It's very humbling for me to be here. And let me tell you why. I am like the vast majority of Americans who did not serve in the military. But I'm also like the vast majority of Americans who are so grateful to those of you who did and who do. Each of you made a decision that you would uphold and defend the Constitution. Each of you made the decision that you would defend us and defense was extraordinarily necessary 25 years ago. Each of you made a decision that whatever the cost, you would pay it. And since 911 in the various conflicts, Vermont members of the military have paid a very high price. Their families have paid a very high price. And for that, I am grateful as a citizen who has benefited by all of you who made that commitment to protect us. And I know when I say that I speak on behalf of millions and millions of Americans, but I also want to make an observation and it takes up on something Governor Scott was saying. There are terror threats. We saw that 911. There are adversaries who will use force to kill us. There are adversaries who will do everything in their power to divide us. But part of the wonderful joy I've had serving in Congress and in the Senate is my interaction with our guard because that day came 911 122 consecutive days you had made the decision to join the military. But what you did day in and day out was to be prepared for when you had to do your duty. You had to have the discipline to show up for training. You had to coordinate with your fellow members of the guard. you had to cooperate because what you show more than anyone else is that you can't succeed unless you're a team. So even as you have put yourself on the line, your awareness of your colleagues, your fellow soldiers is acute. And in that moment when all of us are very remote from the scene of the action, you're intensely engaged. Competent because you train, confident because you're disciplined, but also competent because you know that you're there also to help your fellow guardsmen and guards women. And when I think about what the governor just spoke about the threat to a country, it's when we're divided. Cooperation and teamwork beats conflict in pursuit of glory. Cooperation and teamwork will defeat about any foe. And one of the other qualities that has been so wonderful about the guard and where I think our state has to be totally engaged is even in this recent deployment where families got the phone call just about Christmas and have been gone for months where that family has to bear that burden and they're ready to do it and they do. But there's real kids, two year olds, four year olds. Where's dad? And each of us who does not wear the uniform, but who benefits by you who do, we have a responsibility to be aware of what it is you're doing and the real challenges that that imposes so that we can make certain that your Vermont family is intact when you come home from your duty station. So you stand as an example to what we need a lot more of in this country. Military strength, yes. Training, yes. Capacity to respond immediately, yes. But it's about caring for those in your unit. It's about caring for those in your community. It's about caring about those in your state so that we can have a stronger state and a stronger country. So, I just want to express at the end of my remarks here the profound gratitude I have for your service, but also for your inspiring example. Thank you. [applause]