A debtor stands before you.

Remarks by Martin Boire to Statewide Veterans’ Planning Group in Largo, Florida. March 29, 2006.  

A debtor stands before you.

I am one of the civilians who is in your debt. You protected our nation. Those before you protected our nation. Troops right now are protecting our nation. My boys and daughter may yet protect our nation. 

Some 93% of Americans have never served in the military. I am one of them, representative of the rest. And I am here to thank you. And the way I and others have chosen to thank you and all of the troops is to set forth upon the American landscape a new charity, conceived by civilians, and focused on those who protect all Americans.
We have seen periods of great appreciation and honor for our troops and veterans. And we have seen one disappointing period of unappreciation.

Thus as a part of this great charity, an Association has been formed -- the Support Our Troops Association, which anyone may join. It will provide a focal point through which to ensure that the families of those who are protecting our families, will be watched over by our families in turn.

As part of this we have caused civilian Support Our Troops license plates to become part of the American landscape, as a rallying point and cal to action -- so that people can publicly thank those to whom a large moral debt for protecting them is owed. And our message to our fellow civilians in all we do – we must support those whose support us.

To ensure the success of this vision, many recurring revenue sources have been established, the Support Our Troops Association founded, and cooperative alliances formed with important agencies and private groups. And all of this is structured to ensure that it lasts for a century and does not perish from the character of this great nation. This then is our gift to you who have served, to those who are serving, and to those who yet will serve. Those who preserve our liberty and often consecrate it with their persons and their lives.

Thank you, and God bless you and all who serve.