President Obama today spoke eloquently about the sacrifices of the veterans of the Korean War, declaring the war a victory and not a stalemate and even offering up a little Reaganesque “peace through strength” rhetoric.
Obama, who spoke at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington on the 60th anniversary of the armistice that ended the war, said the veterans had preserved the freedom of the South Korean people, who were attacked by the North.
“That war was no tie. Korea was a victory,” he said, noting that 50 million South Koreans live in freedom and prosperity “in stark contrast to the repression and poverty of the north, that is a victory, and that is your legacy.”
He said the US “commitment will never waver” in South Korea.
Obama spoke beneath an enormous “Heroes Remembered” banner, as flights into Reagan-National flew behind him every few minutes.
He noted that for many Korean War veterans, homecoming was something of an anticlimax. “Unlike Vietnam, Korea did not tear at our country. These veterans did not return to protest,” he said. Nor were they welcomed as heroes, as those who’d fought in World War II had been. And the memorial itself was overdue.
“Here in America, no war should ever be forgotten. No veteran should ever be overlooked,” Obama said.
He spoke poetically of the cold and mud, of Pork Chop Hill, gallantry and the dark humor of war – a mixup involving mortar rounds and Tootsie Rolls. He spoke of those lost and captured.
“Our POWs from Korea are some of the strongest men and women our nation has ever produced,” he said.
And then he said something I haven’t quite heard before from him.
On days such as this, you’re back there once more. For Korea was the fire that helped to forge you . . . your lives hold lessons for us today. Korea taught us the perils when we fail to prepare. After the Second World War, a rapid drawdown left our troops poorly equipped.”
That lesson, he said, teaches that the US must maintain the strongest military “bar none.”
Peace through strength? Obama? We’ll see.
38 thoughts on “Obama Offers Eloquent Tribute to Korean War Veterans”
“That lesson, he said, teaches that the US must maintain the strongest military “bar none.”
Don’t listen to what he says, instead pay close attention to what he does.
You’ve nailed it. He often speaks with eloquence, but his speeches are very often just empty words. He knows what people like to hear.
Whenever Barry says something “eloquent” or sensible, I just assume he doesn’t write his own speeches, although I think he may have penned the “ocean of tomorrows, a sky of tomorrows” BS himself.
Sounds like someone actually did some research. It wasn’t him. The vets deserve a decent speech.
Yes, the vets do deserve a decent speech. And this was one. And I am glad that the Korean war vets and all vets are commended and honored for their sacrifices for this country.
But the only thing Barack Obama has to do with it is he read the words someone else wrote. Talk about phony. This was phony — Obama never walks the talk.
When Obama talks about the US Military and Vets I think of Nicholson’s “Col. Jessup” speech from a ‘A Few Good Men’.
! :)
“Korea taught us the perils when we fail to prepare. After the Second World War, a rapid drawdown left our troops poorly equipped.”
Did he even preview these words before he read them off the ‘prompter? What lessons are we going to learn after Afghanistan/Egypt/ Libya? His words fall on my deaf ears.
Speeches are only empty words unless followed up with action. Nope, I don’t believe there is a sincere bone in his body.
Who are you and what have you done with our president?
I’m guessing a new speechwriter brought in to make him sound like he gives a damn. No way he wrote that himself.
He’s real good at reading words from the teleprompter – words that his frat boy speechwriters no doubt filched from previous presidential speeches. Watch his other hand. Earlier this week he threatened to veto the defense appropriation bill unless veterans pay more for their healthcare.
http://news.investors.com/ibd-editorials/072413-664992-obama-demands-vets-pay-more-for-tricare.htm
Over 1,000 inmates have escaped from the prison in Benghazi, and a week or so ago over 500 escaped or were sprung by fellow Al Qaeda in Iraq. He really has the terrorists on the run. They are all probably running up to Syria where we will arm them.
Ooops!. That was meant for Girly 1.
This is the first I heard of Benghazi – do you think Obama has been notified? Oh wait….his hands are tied b/c the new govt is too ‘fragile’. You’re right, Julie….they’re probably on their way to Syria. The ME is on fire and Obama has his head in a sand trap.
It’s new on Drudge and other sites. I doubt if he’s been notified if he is on the golf course. Priorities, you know?
I am currently reading “Collusion” by Brent Bozell. Makes you realize that this current presidency should never have happened by real true standards. I wish the media could be held accountable for their reporting.
The media are accountable to no one but their owners.
He can say whatever he likes, and pundits can interpret as they choose. My bottom line: I do not believe him. I do not trust him. I do not listen anymore.
How can his praise of these Vets square with yesterday’s praise of Ho Chi Minh?
Hey! Hey!
Ho! Ho!
B H O has got to go!
!
: – ))
Empty words. He hasn’t a clue what the Korean War veterans went through. Is he trying to siphon off some of their experience or is it siphon off their mystique? Still, the Korean War and its vets were almost immediately forgotten as soon as the war ended and historically overshadowed by ‘the greatest generation’ so I’m glad he acknowledge it. I’d wager most people of his generation and younger couldn’t tell you a thing about it.
I’ve know many Korean vets including my brother and they were the most modest and uncomplaining group. Not glory seekers and not men who cried forever about their bad lot in life.
So true. Thanks to your brother for his service. My Dad WWII, Korea, Vietnam. Proudly. A legal immigrant and patriotic American to his last breath.
My brother too: WWII at 17 and called back for Korea. My Dad, an immigrant like yours and a Doughboy.
And…we both like opera — (arias) and then there is the Haiku thing — and you studied Russian as one of your languages…OMG — sistahs!!!! :)
This is just a tribute to Col. George “Bud” Day, USAF (ret) 1925-2013. WWII, Korea, Vietnam. To all the vets whose Presidency Obama dishonors despite the speechwriters’ words.
http://minx.cc/?post=342026
Bud Day fought hard to make sure John Kerry never became President. John McCain considers John Kerry to be one of his “friends”.
This is OT but perhaps it is a better place to put it than with His Arrogance’s regular golfing segment.
I have long been a “student” of revolutions. They are history’s cautionary tales and in their retrospect there are so many clues leading up to them. And there are so many lessons to be learned.
Following are two links about Egypt’s current revolution. The first is moreorless a short intro by Walter Mead who notes that it is rare that we get to observe a revolution in process. And the second is the meat. It is a Reuter’s Special Report on How the Muslim Brotherhood lost Egypt.
Of course, I am still waiting for Reuter’s Special Report on Obama and America…:) Anyway, check them out if you are so inclined. The Reuter’s in particular is informative. Note the role of the EU.
http://blogs.the-american-interest.com/wrm/2013/07/27/blow-by-blow-of-the-muslim-brotherhoods-downfall-in-egypt/
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/07/25/us-egypt-mistakes-specialreport-idUSBRE96O07H20130725
Thank you Gracepmc. I found the second link quite informative and would never have found this artilce by myself!
You’re welcome. I thought so also.
I read Walter Mead from to time either at the American Interest or his blog Via Meadia. I may not agree with him all the time, but he is a sound historian with good links to other more in depth information.
Peggy Noonan slipped a speech into Obama’s teleprompter.
I wonder who wrote the speech that he read.
They never get any credit.
His name is Cody Keenan from Chicago. He replaced Jon Favreau. He worked for Teddy Kennedy and joined Obama in 2007 – working on the Tucson speech and the last State of the Union. Any resemblance between his lofty words and the person reading them off the ‘prompter is purely coincidental.
http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Obamas-New-Head-Speech-Writer-Hails-From-Chicago-189855471.html
“No veteran should ever be overlooked,” Obama said.
Too bad he didn’t feel the same about our soldiers in Benghazi.
“Eloquent”! As eloquent as his threat this week to veto a bill that would increase the armed forces members’ monthly pay because it was too large? Accompanied by an equally eloquent demand that they be forced to pay more for their medical insurance? This communist wanna be dictator isn’t worthy to lick the sole of the combat boot of the lowest ranking member of our brave military forces.
This phony speech should be labeled as an unconstitutional obscenity.
Well said, Mr. President. On this one, you got it right. (blind squirrel/stopped clock cracks deleted here). Credit where credit is due, and the CinC delivered.
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