Gov. Rick Perry Speech to National VFW; Gives Special Salute to Heroes of Vietnam – 8/29/11
From Rick Perry’s speech to the VFW:
Rick Perry Wades Into Foreign Policy with Speech to Veterans
ABC News
Texas Governor Rick Perry delved into foreign policy this morning as he addressed the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention in San Antonio, warning that the United States “cannot concede the moral authority of our nation to multi-lateral debating societies.”
“I do not believe that America should fall subject to a foreign policy of military adventurism. We should only risk shedding American blood and spending American treasure when our vital interests are threatened and we should always look to build coalitions among the nations to protect the mutual interests of freedom loving people,” Perry told thousands of veterans today.
“It’s not our interest to go it alone. We respect our allies, and we must always seek to engage them in military missions. At the same time, we must be willing to act when it is time to act. We cannot concede the moral authority of our nation to multi-lateral debating societies, and when our interests are threatened American soldiers should be led by American commanders.”
Perry pointed to the lessons learned from the Vietnam War as helping leaders make more cautious decisions when engaging in combat.
“A president should never send our sons and daughters into war without a plan to win and the resources to make that possible,” Perry said. “It’s a dangerous world that we live in today. Our enemies often don’t wear uniforms or swear allegiance to a particular flag but instead to an ideology of hatred. As the 10th anniversary of the attacks of 911 approach, we must renew our commitment to taking the fight to the enemy wherever they are before they strike at home.”
Two weeks ago, Perry, who flew C-130s in the Air Force from 1972 to 1977, stated that one of his greatest motivations to run for president was to ensure “every young man and woman who puts on the uniform of this nation respects highly the president of the United States.”
“I think the military men and women respect the commander in chief regardless of who it is. I think they really like to see a person who’s worn the uniform in that office and, you know, I think that’s just a true statement and I wouldn’t back up off of it an inch,” Perry told a group of reporters at the Iowa State Fair earlier this month. “Go ask your veterans if they’d rather see somebody who’s never served as the commander in chief.”
Perry never served in a war but highlighted the dedication and service of his father, who was a tail gunner in World War II, flying 35 missions over Germany in 1944 and 1945.
“He helped liberate millions from tyranny. When he came home he didn’t seek acclaim or credit, he just wanted to live in peace and freedom,” Perry recounted. “His story is not unique. Indeed his story was if anything very representative of our entire generation, the greatest generation who know all about placing country and community ahead of self.”
“I know the credo of survivors of war that only the heroes are the ones who never make it home, but in my eyes you all are heroes every one of you.”
In his speech, Perry announced a new Texas initiative called Housing4TexasHeroes, a three million dollar grant program which will help veterans buy, build, rehabilitate, or rent homes.
“A great nation cannot turn its eye away from wounded warriors. We should honor them with the best healthcare possible, with help transitioning back to civilian life and with jobs,” Perry said. “It anguishes me to see young men and women come home scarred, feeling isolated, unable to cope with what they’ve experienced. these are our precious sons and daughters. They are our nations’ newest generation of heroes. They are our own flesh and blood. We must take care of them, everyone of them.”
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Wild Thing’s comment……..
GO Perry!!!!
Breathing fresh air is getting to be exhilarating again!!
Perry starting to talk about foreign affairs. Key points:
– US should only act militarily when our national interests are at stake or when we are threatened or attacked;
– US should work with allies whenever possible;
– US should not concede our moral authority to act to groups line the UN;
– US troops should only be commanded by US officers;
– Perry announces a Texas initiative to help veterans to buy, build, renovate or rent homes.
Rick Perry reminds me so much of Ronald Reagan. Both of them believe in the exceptionalism and moral heartbeat of America. Both believe in an even better tomorrow based on those two values. Both believe in the economic power of an America that produces better with limited government influence.
I appreciate Gov. Perry recognizing the sacrifices and hardships faced by Vietnam vets. Perry has been a very strong supporter of vets ever since his days as Texas Agriculture Commissioner.
Tom, thank you so much for commenting on this post. I am so impressed with Perry. I agree too about Reagan. Listening to Perry speak in this video and all the ones I have posted remind me of Reagan.
When Perry announced he would run, his speech was fantastic and it made me cry. It just felt so good to hear someone speak like that and see how he loves America.
It is sad how desprate we are for politicians in the league of Ronald Reagan. We should be able to fill the whole congress with such men. Why can we get no more than a dozen or so on the political stage. My dad always said that he would never go into politics until he could do it without lying to every reporter about respecting him.