Rabbi Milton Balkany continues to inspire us with his words of beauty and wisdom and universal truth as he honors John Spencer, recipient of the coveted bronze star.
Our Father in Heaven!
The hands of time cradle the hours of man. The pendulum of our nation’s destiny has swung and directed us to the call of the hour. Now is the time to awaken and arise. Now is the time to take an honest look of where we are as a nation, a nation a war for peace, a country in the battle for life, a people in the fray of fate, faith and freedom. Now is the time to greet the challenges of our day with resolute courage. We pray that those who believe in the promise of our land will be victorious as they lead us forward. We pray for them Oh Lord, for they will need your guidance; grant them the courage to John Spencer. John heard his countrymen’s cry and embraced duty-despite the danger, regardless of risk. We pray that the bronze star John earned, a gleaming tribute from his grateful fellow citizens shall shine as a beacon, and guide us along the path of righteousness, with dignity, honor and compassion.
John Spencer earned his bronze star medal while on combat duty in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. He served as the Mayor of Yonkers, New York from 1996 until 2003. In 2005 he declared his candidacy for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat which was held by Democrat Hillary Clinton at the time.
It is Rabbi Milton Balkany’s practice to honor great men in the public domain with inspiring speeches praising their achievements.