Local vet speaks at Labor Day event
FRAZEYSBURG – Murals honoring veterans and those who served their country were dedicated Labor Day in Frazeysburg. One of the speakers at the dedication ceremony was Jerry Haywood, a Vietnam Veteran from Coshocton County. During the ceremony, he read a speech he calls, “The Price of Freedom.”
The signers of the Declaration of Independence had everything to lose. Some were wealthy. They knew what the results would be if they were caught, certain death. Freedom meant more to them than life itself.
The Revolutionary War and what those 13 colonies did shocked the world. Defeating the power of Great Britain.
We as a country went through so many growing pains, good and bad.
The terrible wars we had to fight to retain our freedom.
The great leaders of our country, presidents, military, business and the Average Joe worker who built America.
Immigrants flocked here in droves to live the American dream. Many attained it, many didn’t
But with hard work and perseverance the dream was possible.
Oh yeah America, you have the freedom to worship where you want, how you want, when you want or not worship at all, that’s your right, that’s freedom.
And you walk down the street, you can dress how you like, long hair, short hair, clean shaven, or beard, earrings or not, that’s freedom.
People will say it’s a terrible world, I beg to differ. I say the world is a beautiful place we just have some bad people living in it.
In America, life is about choices, your choice. As long as we don’t break the law.
We must never forget the sacrifices of the men and women throughout our history. The wars they endured. The elements, unbearable heat and freezing cold. The blood what was spilled, so we could live in freedom.
As we get older we think about a lot of things.
I love my children dearly, but there were times I wondered why we brought kids into this world. But as I said earlier, it’s some of the people in it, not the world.
I think about World War II vets I’ve know in my life. Without them and what they accomplished we wouldn’t be speaking English or be free.
And to all the veterans of all the wars, I salute you, whether Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard or Marines, we’re all Americans first. United we’re the best there is.
As Americans we can agree to disagree and still stay friends.
Always remember that some gave all and all gave some.
The song was written and sung by Billy Ray Cyrus about a Vietnam Vet, but could be any vet in history.
“I knew a man called him Sandy Kane
Few folks even knew his name
But a hero was he
Left a boy, came back a man
Still many just don’t understand
About the reasons we are free
I can’t forget the look in his eyes
Or the tears he cries
As he said these words to me
All gave some and some gave all
And some stood through for the red, white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some gave all
Now Sandy Kane is no longer here
But his words are oh so clear
As they echo through out our land
For all his friends who gave us all
Who stood the ground and took the fall
To help their fellow man
Love your country and live with pride
And don’t forget those who died America can’t you see
All gave some and some gave all
And some stood through for the red, white and blue
And some had to fall
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some gave all
And if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall, yes recall
Some gave all
Some gave all”
On this Labor Day and this dedication of this veteran’s memorial, if you believe in God, pray, be thankful we are Americans and we are free.
And let us never forget the brave Americans that have sacrificed so much for all of us.
God Bless you all and God Bless America.
Jerry L. Haywood
Sgt. U.S. Marines / Vietnam
Coshocton
Semper Fi = Always faithful to God, Country and Corps
Category: People & Places
