Text of Ret. General John Shalikashvili's speechPage 2 of 2 -- I know about the horror of war and thus join with others like John Kerry in believing that we must go to war only when all other efforts to resolve the threat to us have been exhausted. And only then, when going to war becomes absolutely necessary, then to go with full resolve and to use force decisively. But we should never go to war without a comprehensive plan for how to secure the peace once military victory has been won.
While I know the dark side of war I also know first-hand about the bright side of America. The America that from its earliest days has been a land of boundless opportunity and a beacon of hope and of liberty around the world. This is the America we cherish and defend and that is the America that John Kerry will lead. From my first days as a private in basic training, I have always been proud to be an American soldier. In my eyes there is no higher title. And for 39 years I had the great privilege to serve in the company of such heroes -- ordinary men and women whose selfless service and courage and love of country befit this extraordinary nation of ours. In places like Kabul and Kandahar and Fallujah and Tikrit and a thousand others we can hardly pronounce they are writing their own page in the glorious history of American fighting men and women. They fought and bled and too many of them have died. And all they have ever asked in return was that we lead them well, train them for the tasks at hand, equip them properly and give them enough men and material so no matter what they will always have enough of both to get the job done and to protect themselves and their buddies. And the only other thing they ask is that when we send them into harm's way we take care of their families here back home. That is all. And you and I we are so incredibly blessed that there are men and women such as these who are prepared to lay down their lives for our country. From here in Boston where the first patriots stood up for freedom I ask you as Americans as Democrats as modern day patriots I ask you to stand up for our troops and give them the rousing round of applause that they so richly deserve. I stand before you this evening because I believe that no one will be more resolute in defending America nor in pursuing terrorists than John Kerry. And that no one will be more skilled in bringing allies back to our side but John Kerry cannot do it alone. You here tonight and all those you represent have to be equally committed to give your total support to John Kerry and John Edwards to keep our Armed Forces the strongest, the best led, the best trained, and the best equipped in the world.
I believe in John Kerry. As a young man he heeded his country's call to service when it needed him. He commanded in combat and did so with bravery and distinction. He knows from experience a commander's responsibility to his troops. He stands with our troops and with their families. And that is why I stand with John Kerry. I thank you all. |
