For four years TimBen proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. While in the service, TimBen was placed in several leadership roles and had as many as four hundred students under his charge. Since 9-11, TimBen has worn a pin of our nation’s flag as a reminder of his beliefs that “… freedom is not free, we are in a war, and someone, somewhere in our military service will most likely give his or her life for you today.”
Councilman TimBen Boydston’s Veteran’s Day Speech: 2007
Good evening. I am TimBen Boydston and I have the honor of representing you on the Santa Clarita City Council. As we stand here in this Park of Remembrance this evening I am humbled by the knowledge that all over the world this night there are men and women in uniform who stand watch for us. I stand in admiration that there are human beings who would choose to be the protectors of our freedom.For even as the light of the sun’s rays leave us this night, we in America still bask in the warm glow of freedom’s light, while half-way ‘round the world the sun seems to be shining brightly, but in reality, in so many places, the people are sinking into the darkness of anarchy and totalitarianism.
I stand in awe of the commitment of our military men and women: those who make a pledge to give their very lives for freedom’s cause; those who endure hardship, suffering, and loneliness so that we may enjoy bounty, happiness, and family; those who choose to stand between us and the dark forces of evil.
Now I know that it might not be fashionable to speak of the difference between right and wrong, between light and darkness, between good and evil. But I know this for certain, there is a monumental battle going on in our world today between good and evil. And to ignore this battle would be folly. To pretend that we will not have to fight this fight is wishful thinking, and to think that the Evil will go away on its own accord, is to ignore the lessons of human history.
I will leave the time and place of those battles to our national leaders, but if we fail to take a stand, our Republic will surely fall.
And who will fight this fight? I thank God that there is a cadre of volunteers who have said “Send me and I will fight for you.” For there is no greater sacrifice than when one human chooses to lay down his or her life for another. It is with reverence that we must remember our champions of that which is noble and right. Their selfless sacrifices cannot be lauded enough. We cannot say “thank you” often enough. We cannot say “thank you” loud enough. And we cannot say “thank you” so that the depth of our gratitude is understood. But we must try.
So we are gathered here to say “thank you.” And we are here to lift our champions up as our heroes. And we are here to give them honor. And we are here to remember them. And we are here to shout to the entire world, “These men and women are the reason that America is Free this Day!”
And lastly, we are here to ask our Almighty God that He would shine His grace upon these defenders of our freedom. That He would comfort them and give them courage and wisdom. That He would never allow the righteous hatred of evil to become a hatred of innocent people. And lastly, that He would be with the families of our champions, who are truly heroes of our Homeland. May God bless you. May God bless the city of Santa Clarita. And may God bless America.
Committee to Elect TimBen Boydston to City Council 2012
ID#1343994
19623 Green Mountain Drive
Santa Clarita, CA 91321