Mitt Romney addresses VFW (Video)

Republican candidate Mitt Romney addressed the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) on the eve of a trip overseas. After paying tribute to the victims of the Colorado shoothing, he praised the Veterans "for answering call of your country in a time of war. From December 7 th , 1941 to September 11, 2001, whenever America has been tested, you stepped forward."

Romney then went on to ask the veterans to consider some of the issues he had discussed with them at last year's address and asked these questions:

"Since then, has the American economy recovered?

Has our ability to shape world events been enhanced, or diminished?

Have we gained greater confidence among our allies, and greater respect from our adversaries?

And, perhaps most importantly, has the most severe security threat facing America and our friends, a nuclear-armed Iran, become more or less likely?"

He criticized President Obama for his world tour in 2008 and early 2009, Berlin to Cairo and the United Nations, where he apologized for America.

He focused primarily on the military and the devastating results that would occur if the military budget was cut back. This is in a time, when there is considerable upheaval in the Middle East with Iran and Syria. He re-emphasized that he would stand with Israel and addressed the president's open mike message for Russia's President Putin, to be patient until after the election.

While he made no major foreign policy announcements, he assured the audience that the would restore America's standing in the world and that he considers the 21st century as America's century. The text of Romney's remarks are below:

"Thank you. Commander Richard DeNoyer, I appreciate the introduction, and I’m proud to see a combat veteran from Massachusetts serving as National Commander of the VFW.

Ladies Auxiliary President Gwen Rankin, incoming National Commander John Hamilton, incoming Ladies Auxiliary President Leanne Lemley, Adjutant General Allen “Gunner” Kent, Executive Director Bob Wallace, distinguished guests and members of the VFW: Thank you for your generous welcome.

I want to start today with a few words about the unimaginable tragedy in Colorado last week. We’ve since learned that among the victims were four people who had served – or were serving – our country in uniform. Today, our hearts go out to the families of John Larimer of the U.S. Navy; Rebecca Wingo, an Air Force veteran; Jesse Childress, an Army veteran and member of the Air Force reserve; and Jonathan Blunk, a Navy veteran who died shielding his girlfriend from the spray of bullets. The loss of four Americans who served our country only adds to the profound tragedy of that day. All Americans are grateful for their service and deeply saddened by their deaths. We mourn them and we will remember them..."

Read more: Time.com

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