On Saturday, Nov 8, the South Shore Democratic Club sponsored a Salute to Veterans Town Hall.  We heard presentations from four veterans, moderated by Will Atkins from the Democratic Veterans Caucus, himself a USAF veteran.

The Methodist Church’s Senior Pastor Rev. Dr Cynthia Weems led the group in an opening prayer. The South Shore Democratic Club President Fran Bodman welcomed the group.

Commander Phil Ehr, US Navy, retired, was the kickoff speaker, praising U.S. forces deployed everywhere. He shared his experiences in having part in the kill chain in Bosnia as well as intel support in the maritime war on drugs in the Caribbean, and his concern about what is taking place currently in the area. He ended with the importance of veterans, particularly retired flag officers mentoring active-duty military and educating the public, which is why he is running for Congress in the Miami Dade area.

Sergeant First Class Robert People, US Army, retired, brought some levity into his remarks about joining the Army out of high school. He was looking for purpose and chose to be part of the solution, not the problems with his units. He is now running for Congress in Congressional District 15, for that same reason​: to return to public service and be part of fixing what we are experiencing in the country ​today.

Sergeant First Class Gianny Hunt, US Army, retired, spoke of her experiences as a military intelligence analyst observing insurgency & terrorism in the Middle East and other regions, and how that powers her current activism. She reminded us that democratic norms are being eroded, election integrity is under pressure due to massive disinformation, and a small group of ultra-wealthy are now shaping policies and public discourse at the expense of America’s working families. They have hijacked our democracy. Her impassioned presentation urged the crowd to show up – together – and refuse to back down. To help that, she created a nonpartisan group, Magnified Voices, to empower communities through knowledge and action to take a stand, to not just show up but build bridges, empower new leadership, and shape policy with the strength of a collective voice.

Major General Richard Haddad, US Air Force, retired, was the keynote speaker. He established immediately in his remarks that patriotism is the cornerstone of democracy for all Americans, not blue or red, but for all citizens of this country. He spoke about swearing allegiance not to a president, a congress, a secretary of defense or a party but to the Constitution. He reminded us that democracy is not self-sustaining – it requires engagement, vigilance and courage. He focused on the needs of our veteran brothers and sisters, including PTSD, homelessness, underemployment and many other challenges, and how real patriotism keeps its promise to veterans, to workers, to immigrants and to our children. It’s rooted in inclusion, not exclusion.

Rabbi Philip Cohen, PhD. from Beth Israel Jewish Congregation of SCC led the Benediction.

The entire event was both inspirational and educational. As they departed, most of the many attendees said it was one of the best events they had ever attended.