On July 27, 2024 the Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer (DDG 127) was christened the Patrick Gallagher, in honor of Marine Corporal Patrick Gallagher, a 23-year-old Irish immigrant working towards citizenship. He had been awarded the Navy Cross "for daring action," later killed in combat just days before his tour would have ended. Christened the Patrick Gallagher may the spirit of the ship, be true to its motto "Be Brave and Be Bold." Three hundred seamen will serve on the ship protecting us once more. 

Approaching Bath Iron Works for the christening, we were confronted by protesters who do not seem to realize that it's because we build these ships and maintain our military, that they are now able to protest. As we passed through the protesters, it brought to mind a ceremony I attended, honoring the veterans of the Korean War. 

As a child, I can remember watching the news reports on the Korean War on a black and white TV. The Korean War lasted from 1950 to 1953, and ended in a stalemate, when an armistice was signed at Panmunjom, near the 38th parallel where the war began. The cost was over four million dead and millions more displaced. The Forgotten War. Seventy one years later, Maine veterans of that war were recognized during the Korean War Veterans Recognition Day in the Hall of Flags on Thursday, July 26 at the Capital in Augusta. Nineteen Maine Veterans were awarded the Ambassador for Peace Medal, the State of Maine Veterans' Recognition Award and a Quilt of Valor.  Posthumous Awards were presented to the families of 38 Maine veterans. They were presented by Jae-Kui Kim, Consul General of the Republic of Korea, and the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services. 

As an adult on active military duty at the time, I can remember the actions in Vietnam played out nightly on TV. We were involved in Vietnam from 1955 to 1975. Over 8.7 million Americans served in the Armed Forces during the Vietnam era. They made great sacrifices. Our veterans have kept us free. Thank the veterans for their service, they have earned it. The majority of us are still living with memories of our military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan. It continues, we must always be vigilant. 

And today here we are watching events in Ukraine and Israel, concerned about our possible involvement in more wars. Our military must be on watch 24/7. Young men and women have chosen to devote their lives to protecting our freedoms.  

As long as we exist as a free nation, we must maintain our vigilance and be prepared to defend our freedom. It requires men and machines, sacrifice and commitment to deter our enemies from denying us our freedom. 

Lest we forget.