Iakopo said in today’s society, people are disrespecting the American flag or kneeling during the singing of the national anthem.
“[We enjoy] our freedom today because of men and women, such as those we honor here today, are willing to give their lives for you. For that, I am very proud to serve our nation’s military,” he said.
Iakopo said whenever a family member joins the military, families celebrate.
“These new recruits are the pride of their communities across the country and the Pacific islands, but when they return, they don’t get any warm welcomes. No appreciation, no incentives, no discounts, and no support. All they get is a mere ‘thank you for your service,’” he said.
Veterans, he added, brought home physical pains and emotional scars, and paid dearly for every freedom guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution, specifically the Bill of Rights.
Office of Veterans Affairs executive officer Stanley Iakopo delivers his remarks during the Veterans Day ceremony at the American Memorial Park Court of Honor on Wednesday. Photo by K-Andrea Evarose S. Limol
“So many veterans sacrifice their health, their limbs, their mental well-being, and most of all, some [made] the ultimate sacrifice: their lives,” Iakopo added.
He said service members past and present also sacrifice monumental familial occasions, such as the birth of their children, as well as wedding anniversaries.
“Freedom gives each of us the privilege to do what we want, go where we want, freedom to worship how we want, and especially the freedom of speech, to say what we please. Not many countries in the world allow [these],” he said.
There is not enough paper to print money, benefits, incentives, or mere words on Veterans Day to pay the nation’s debt to veterans for protecting these freedoms, Iakopo said.
“Our debt to these veterans [or] heroes can never be repaid, but our gratitude and respect must last forever. We must never forget those who have fought in yesterday’s wars and those who continue to fight today,” he said.
Correction
Wednesday’s news story, “We Got Your Back Veterans,” should have stated that CNMI Office of Veterans Affairs executive officer Stanley Iakopo is an Air Force veteran.
