Three simple but very profound words, the significance of which cannot be underestimated.

When our sons and daughters answer the call to duty and put their lives on the line for our nation -- they risk their lives not for just a country, but for its people and our way of life -- for each and every one of us, members of the family called America.

In return, We The People have a duty to honor them for their courage and for the sacrifices they make on our behalf -- to welcome them back into society ...to welcome them home.

This national duty, to be carried forth on a scale that is worthy of such an event, was not afforded to the Veterans of the Vietnam War. Worse yet and much too often, the anger against the War was turned against the very same sons and daughters who were willing to give their lives for ...We The People.

Now it is our turn to answer the call of duty to honor them.