Thank you, Ken for that kind introduction. I’d like to thank you and General AuBuchon, for the invitation to participate in this ceremony. It is fitting that we are gathered together today at this beautiful memorial, which serves as a tribute to those men and women who laid down their lives for our country.

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of the Vietnam War – and today, we remember those thousands of servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice and never returned home. Their names are etched into the walls around us – and forever etched into the memories of those who never had the chance to say goodbye.

Since the Civil War, Americans have gathered each year to remember those courageous souls who answered the call to serve. We gather together to express our gratitude. And we gather together to remind our children and grandchildren that because of their sacrifice, we have the opportunity to live in the strongest, freest and greatest nation in the world.

To the families and friends of the fallen, and to all the veterans with us today, let me share with you a nation’s heartfelt gratitude. We are blessed to live in a nation where individuals volunteer to defend our country and our way of life – no matter the cost. Today, we remember that freedom is not free.

Nearly 150 years ago, at a solemn ceremony held on a Pennsylvania battlefield in November of 1863, President Lincoln called on all Americans to never forget those who laid down their lives so that this “nation might live.” In his address at Gettysburg, he called on his fellow citizens to be dedicated to the “unfinished work” for which those soldiers fought and “gave their last full measure of devotion … that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth.”

As citizens, we have a duty to preserve those freedoms and liberties that generations of Americans gave their lives to establish and protect. The heroes we pay tribute to today have shown us the way, and it is our turn to follow them in service to our country.

The strength of our nation lies within its citizens. Only when each citizen feels the duty to do his or her part will our nation be secure. This won’t come as a result of our individual successes, but in what we accomplish together. So when today’s ceremony has come to an end and the flags have been taken down, this commitment to citizenship will be our lasting tribute – our “living tribute” to our service members. 

Often in Washington, it can be easy to forget what’s important in the midst of all the partisan politics, the next election or the latest poll. When I need a reminder, I take a walk – from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. Between these two points, I pass the WWII Memorial, Vietnam Wall, and Korean War Memorial. These memorials to our citizen soldiers help put everything in perspective. Our freedoms are so important that our nation’s sons and daughters were willing to put their lives at risk to defend and protect them. These men and women didn’t sacrifice for Republicans or Democrats; they gave their lives for the greater good of our country and to ensure their children and grandchildren would also experience freedom and liberty. In Washington, D.C., politicians should follow their lead and do what’s best for our country, rather than focus on political agendas.

In 2004, I visited the World War II Memorial a few days before the official dedication ceremony. As I walked through the Memorial, I came across the pillar representing the many Kansans who served, and I thought of my dad. He served in northern Africa and up the boot heel of Italy during the Second World War. As I turned to leave, I called my Dad and said: “I’m at the World War II Memorial and I thought of you. I respect you, I thank you for your service, and I love you.”

It was something that sons don’t often say to their parents, but there is something about memorials that make us stop and reflect on all that the previous generation gave up to secure our freedom. The memorial where we gather today – just like the WWII Memorial in our nation’s capital – reminds us to say this to our nation’s veterans: we respect you, we thank you and we love you.

Many Kansans are represented by these memorials to our veterans in Washington – including one brave soldier who went above and beyond the call of duty in service to his country and fellow man during the Korean War.

Father Emil Kaupan was born in Pilsen, Kansas in 1916 and served as a chaplain for the 8^th Calvary Regiment of the First Army Division. His courageous actions in the Korean battlefields saved countless lives as he ran under enemy fire to rescue wounded soldiers. When Father Kaupan was taken as a prisoner in 1950, he continued to live out the Army Chaplain motto – “for God and Country.” In the bitter cold of winter, Father Kaupan carried injured comrades on his back during forced marches through the snow and ice, gave away his meager food rations and cared for the sick who were suffering alongside him in the prison camp. When all else looked hopeless, the Father rallied his comrades to persevere – until his own death as a prisoner in 1951. This good man distinguished himself by laying down his life for the sake of others.

Today, our nation’s young men and women are still risking their lives for the sake of others. In Iraq, Afghanistan and across the globe, our service members are still fighting for those principles we hold most dear – freedom and justice. During the Easter holiday, I traveled to Afghanistan to meet with Kansas troops and thank them for their service. Their unyielding efforts overseas are protecting American lives here at home.

There is no group of people I hold in higher regard than our nation’s troops and veterans, who have dedicated their lives to serving our country.

In closing, I’d like to share with you a hymn about these brave men and women – entitled, “Mansions of the Lord.” I first heard this hymn powerfully performed by the U.S. Armed Forces Chorus when I attended President Reagan’s memorial service at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

To fallen soldiers let us sing

            Where no rockets fly nor bullets wing

            Our broken brothers let us bring

            To the mansions of the Lord

            No more bleeding, no more fight

            No prayers pleading through the night

            Just divine embrace, eternal light

            In the mansions of the Lord

            Where no mothers cry and no children weep

            We will stand and guard though the angels sleep

            Through the ages safely keep

            The mansions of the Lord

Today, we honor our fallen soldiers who laid down their lives for our country – at this mansion of the Lord. We thank God for giving us these heroes, and we ask for His help as we serve one another as citizens of this great nation. 

Let us commit our lives to preserving this nation for the sake of the next generation – so they too can pursue the American dream with freedom and liberty. We are indebted to our veterans to do nothing less.

God bless our troops and our veterans. We respect you, we thank you and we love you.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) voiced his strong support for the security of Israel this week in a speech on the Senate floor, following an address to Congress by Prime Minister Netanyahu on Tuesday, May 24, 2011. During his remarks, Sen. Moran outlined his concerns about recent comments from President Obama regarding the borders of Israel and a Palestinian state.

            “Israel’s security must come first.  Any effort to force Israel to withdraw to its pre-1967 boundaries—the 1949 Armistice Line—would undermine Israel’s security and threaten the future of any peace talk,” Sen. Moran said.

Click here to view a video of Sen. Moran’s speech.

Below is a full transcript of Sen. Moran’s remarks.

“Mr. President, on Thursday in a speech on the Middle East, President Obama said, ‘While we believe the borders of Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps so that secure and recognized borders are established for both states.’

            “While the president has since sought to revise or clarify his remarks, it is valuable to remind ourselves what a retreat to pre-1967 boundaries would mean for the security of Israel. 

            “After Israel declared independence in 1948, it was invaded by five neighboring armies and an armistice line was subsequently established in 1949.  This line is known as the Green Line and while some refer to it as a border, it was never officially recognized as an international border.

            “If Israel was forced to retreat to the Green Line—its pre-1967 boundary—Israel would be only 9 miles wide at its narrowest point.  Such close borders are untenable today and would subject Israel’s population to great and grave danger.

            “Following the Six Day War, U.N. Security Council Resolution 242 affirmed Israel’s right to ‘secure and recognized borders.’  As Robert Satloff of The Washington Institute for Near East Policy points out—calls for Israel to withdraw to those ‘secure and recognized’ borders have never been interpreted as being synonymous with the pre-1967 boundaries.  A quick look at a map of Israel will explain why these boundaries cannot be secure.

            “Prime Minister Netanyahu reminded us today in a Joint Session of Congress that ‘Israel needs unique security arrangements because of its unique size.’ 

“Two-thirds of Israel’s population and infrastructure lie within a 60 mile strip along the Mediterranean coastline.  Tel Aviv would only be 11 miles away from a Palestinian state with its border as the Green Line and the Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s largest and busiest, would be a mere 4 miles away.  It would only take one rocket fired at Ben Gurion for the entire airport to shut down—isolating Israel from the rest of the world.

            “With the Green Line as its border, the dangers to Israel come not only because of the short distances between major Israeli cities and a Palestinian state, but also from the geography of the land.  The 60 mile strip along Israel’s coastline lies below the hilly heights of the West Bank.  With control of that high terrain, terrorists could easily target and terrorize much of Israel’s population just as they have from Gaza, but with even more deadly accuracy.

            “When Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005, Israel’s leaders had hoped that the Palestinians would demonstrate they could live peacefully with Israel.  Instead, Hamas assumed power and Israelis living in the southern part of Israel have had thousands of rockets and mortar attacks directed at them.  So far this year, more than 300 rockets and mortars have been fired from Gaza, terrorizing countless families in Israel. 

            “The threats to Israel from a Palestinian state with its borders as the Green Line are clearly understood in this context—especially since Palestinian Authority, President Abbas’ Fatah Party, inked an accord with Hamas to form a unity government earlier this month.  Although welcomed by President Abbas, Hamas still calls for the destruction of the State of Israel.  The United States designated Hamas as a terrorist organization 1997.  It has killed more than 500 innocent civilians, including dozens of Americans.

            “The United States does not negotiate with terrorists and we should not expect or ask Israel to do so either.  Instead of calling for negotiations based on boundaries that leave Israel vulnerable to attack, the President should have insisted the Palestinians prove that they are ready to be responsible and peaceful neighbors. 

           “As Prime Minister Netanyahu said, ‘the Palestinian Authority must choose either peace with Israel or peace with Hamas.  There is no possibility for peace with both.’

            “Israel’s security must come first.  Any effort to force Israel to withdraw to its pre-1967 boundaries—the 1949 Armistice Line—would undermine Israel’s security and threaten the future of any peace talk.

            “In 2004, the Senate overwhelmingly passed S.Res. 393, which endorsed U.S. policy for a Middle East peace process.  In particular, the Senate supported a statement that said ‘in light of realities on the ground, including already existing major Israeli population centers, it is unrealistic to expect that the outcome of final status negotiations will be a full and complete return to the armistice lines of 1949.’

            “I believe it is important for the United States to again oppose any plan to force Israel to withdraw to those ’49 boundaries.   Borders between Israel and a Palestinian state should be decided only by Israel and Palestinian leaders through direct negotiations.  Borders should not be a precondition set for negotiations by the President of the United States or anyone else.  As Prime Minister Netanyahu said today, ‘peace cannot be imposed.’

            “Since recognizing Israel eleven minutes after its founding in 1948, our two countries have worked side by side to advance democracy and peace and stability.  Israel is our staunchest ally in a volatile part of the world.  We cannot now turn our back on Israel by forcing it to take a position in negotiations that would endanger its very existence.  I oppose any plan or effort to force Israel back to those 1949 Armistice Lines and encourage my colleagues to work to see that that is not the case. I ask my colleagues to support that position as well.”

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President Calaway, members of the board of trustees, faculty and staff, parents and graduates, thank you for the kind invitation to join you today. To the class of 2011: congratulations on your outstanding achievement.

I want to thank the parents, spouses and family members with us today who have sacrificed to make this day possible. When your son or daughter, or husband or wife graduates from college, it’s a wonderful day for your entire family.

If you ask these students who had the most influence on their lives, I bet not one would say “my Senator.” Most likely they would say their parents. Few things in life are more important than our jobs as moms and dads. As your son or daughter takes the next step in their life today – you can take pride in knowing you played an important role in their success. I know the graduates will join me in thanking you for your love and support.

I also want to thank the members of the faculty and staff. JCCC is fortunate to have excellent faculty members who impact students’ lives and work hard to prepare them for a successful career or a transition to another college. You have much to be proud of – because research shows your students continue to succeed after leaving JCCC. There is no more important, no more noble profession than teaching. Your decision to invest in the lives of young people is an honorable one, and I thank you for it.

Graduates: you have worked hard for this day. For some of you, today has been a long time in coming. Many of you have responsibilities beyond school –jobs and families to care for – and you will be returning to those responsibilities full-time after today. Others here are taking the next step forward in your studies. And this evening, some of you are fulfilling the dreams of generations in your family by becoming the first person to graduate from college. Congratulations on a job well done.

Addressing a class of graduates is a difficult task. It’s not easy to tell people how to live their lives or give them a recipe for guaranteed success. I suppose, in an attempt to make me feel better, people have told me not to worry, because “no one will be listening or remember what you said.” I guess that makes me feel better.

Your education here at JCCC has undoubtedly prepared you well. For more than four decades, JCCC has given thousands of Kansans access to an affordable, high-quality education and the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Many of you came here to learn new skills or get additional training for a new career.

JCCC has earned a reputation for academic excellence. One program in particular has gained international attention – your culinary and hospitality management program. I was impressed to learn that JCCC culinary students earned six international gold medals in 2007 and have won the National Junior Chef Culinary Team competition three times.

One of today’s graduates, Carmaleta Gilmore, enrolled in the hospitality program when her company downsized in 2008, and she had to look for a new job. While growing up, Carmaleta discovered her love for hospitality, so she decided to turn it into a career. Over the last two years, she has not only benefited from her talented instructors, but she has also grown personally and professionally. Here is what she had to say: “It has been one of the greatest experiences of my life to be here at this school. There are so many opportunities.” Congratulations Carmaleta on your accomplishment.

Another one of today’s graduates, Maxwell Matite, has a remarkable story – as a young boy, he grew up in Kenya and came to the United States after his father tragically passed away. He heard about JCCC from a friend and decided to move to Kansas and pursue a major in political science in the honors program – with the goal of one day serving in public office. This is what Maxwell had to say: “Working one-on-one with instructors to glean from their vast knowledge has been one of the highlights of my time at JCCC. My mentors have constantly pushed me for excellence. I’m looking forward to the future.”

This fall, Maxwell plans to attend American University in Washington, D.C., and was recently selected to receive a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation scholarship – one of only 60 given to scholars this year. Congratulations Maxwell on your achievement.

Graduates, for the next few minutes, I’d like to visit with you about the road ahead and the choices that lay before you. Whether you are continuing your education or about to start a new job, you will face many decisions over the next few years. But the question I’d like to ask you today is this: how do you define success? Is it defined by your resume? Or your job title? Or your salary?

I’d like to challenge you to think differently about success. In my view, true success is not marked by your achievements, but by the kind of person you become. So as you enter this new chapter in your life, I challenge you to become a person of character who pursues excellence and puts others first.

First, commit yourself to being a person of character. Your character in life is shaped by the principles you choose to follow and will stay with you for the rest of your life. I was fortunate to be raised by loving parents who taught me the value of honesty, the importance of personal responsibility and the necessity of integrity. I can still recall one of those early lessons.

As a seven year old, I once “found” six pop bottles – and in those days you could get three cents for each empty bottle – so I took them to the grocery store to “cash-in.” The only problem was that I had found the bottles in my neighbor’s back yard! As you can guess, my parents quickly found out. I still remember knocking on my neighbor’s door to explain my crime and hand over the eighteen cents.

A lot has changed since those days – and the “right” thing to do is not always the easiest thing to do. You will be faced with many difficult choices in life and many of those choices will test you and your character. But if we are to live meaningful lives and have any hope of addressing the problems of today, we must remember that there is a difference between right and wrong.

Secondly, commit yourself to pursuing excellence. In whatever you do, big or small, do it well. There is a difference between excellence and perfection. Things may not always turn out to be just perfect and that’s ok. Perfection has to do with the end product, but excellence has to do with the process. Becoming a person of excellence means that in every circumstance you make the most of your God-given talents and abilities.

I once heard a story about a recent college graduate and his experience on the first day of work. When he walked in that first morning, the manager greeted him with a handshake, gave him a broom and said: “Your first job will be to sweep out the store.” The young man had a puzzled look on his face and said: “But I’m a college graduate.” The manager replied: “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that – here give me the broom and I’ll show you how.”

I imagine he felt a little humbled by that comment. Your first task may not be to sweep out the store – but no matter how small you think the task may be, I challenge you to do your best. By doing so, you’ll earn respect, including self-respect, and more opportunities will come your way.

Lastly, commit yourself to serving others. I am convinced that success is not measured by what you get out of life, but by what you give back. We are often told that our country is in need of great leaders. But I believe what we really need are great servants – people who put others first. We all come from different backgrounds and have different abilities and talents – but we all have something to give. In my view, individuals who engage in their churches, schools and communities can have the greatest impact and change lives for the better.

In my life the talk is almost always about what’s going on in Washington, D.C.  And while what happens in our nation’s capitol is important, I believe that if we really want to change the world we do so one soul, one person at a time.

Many of you here today have taken the time to give back to this local community. Whether you helped create a food pantry for students, or helped raise scholarship funds for students participating in the “Start to Finish” program, I commend you for your service to others.

Graduates, in life, each of us has a higher calling. Not just to make a dollar, but to make a difference. Not just to find happiness, but to fulfill a purpose. No job, regardless of the salary or perks, can take the place of a life committed to a purpose greater than yourself. Tony Snow, a White House Press Secretary who lost his life to cancer, told a graduating class shortly before he died that “to love is to acknowledge that life is not about you.”

The world is a large and wonderful place and this is your moment to step into it. Remember that true success is not marked by your achievements, but by the kind of person you become - so I challenge you to become a person of character who pursues excellence and puts others first.

Let me leave you with a few words spoken by one of Kansas’ most famous sons – President Dwight D. Eisenhower – more than half a century ago to a gathering of college students: “Sooner or later the day will come when the decisions which control the affairs of your community, your nation, your world, must be made by another generation – yours. The nation’s future is what you make it. … I have faith in America’s young men and women, and in the future they will build.”

I stand here today with that same optimism for the class of 2011.  Clearly our country faces many challenges, but you are armed with your education and the character bred into you by family, friends and faculty. We have every right to be hopeful for your lives and for your futures.  We need the chance to change the world and God has always given us that. Congratulations to the class of 2011.