Barack has always valued the importance and the service of Veterans. In a recent speech in Fargo, North Dakota, Barack said...

The brave Americans who fight today believe deeply in this country. And no matter how many you meet, or how many stories of heroism you hear, every encounter reminds that they are truly special. That through their service, they are living out the ideals that stir so many of us as Americans - pride, duty, and sacrifice.

As a grandson of a World War II veteran who went to college on the G.I. Bill, Senator Obama is committed to helping the heroes who defend our nation today and the veterans who fought in years past. And veterans across the country are responding. Here are some of their stories...

David in Missouri:

I am a veteran of the first Gulf War, and a lifelong Republican voter. I have become disillusioned in recent years with the current political process. When I see Mr. Obama campaign I really feel a sense of change, of freshness with new ideas that this country truly needs. We need to get away from the politics of personal destruction.

If I was still in the military and for necessary reasons we had to go to war, I would proudly and enthusiastically say "Reporting for duty, sir".

Mike in Ohio:

Of the many reasons, I support Barack because he supports me. I am a 24 year old veteran of the Iraq war and feel support for veterans under the Bush administration has been less than adequate. Barack realizes the sacrifices all of us have made. His views and policy ideas regarding veteran issues are refreshingly honest and straightforward. They also show that he truly cares about issues that affect us.

Orlando in Georgia:

I support Obama for several reasons, primarily because I believe as he does that America is far too divided along political, economic, and racial lines. We have lost sight of the fact that we are all citizens of the United States of America. The American dream is slowing slipping away from the masses, and expanding for the privileged few.

I believe along with him that it is time for the people to reclaim America, take it back from the special interests and wealthy few. I plan to cast my vote for Obama because I truly believe that he has the qualities that we need to show to the world.

Kevin in Virginia:

I believe that Barack Obama understands that the oath I took as a seventeen year old, to defend the Constitution against all enemies, was a solemn one. I believe he understands that when a person is willing to offer their life in defense of their country, their elected leaders have an obligation no less solemn; to send them to war only as a last resort.

I believe Barack Obama understands that the lives of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines should never be used to further political aims and that the duty to uphold and defend the Constitution should be held just as sacred by our government as it is by those who risk their lives for it. I believe that Barack Obama will allow me to be proud, once more, to say, "I served my country in the Army of the United States of America."

Barack Obama posted a photo:

Listening to America Platform Meetings are going on now through Sunday night, all across the country. These meetings are a unique chance for regular Americans to add their input to the 2008 Democratic Party Platform. Christine from Winnetka, IL attended a Platform Meeting earlier today, and wrote about it on her blog on My.BarackObama.com:

This morning I participated in a Platform Meeting at the home of a friend in my hometown. My head is swimming, we discussed so many important issues -- not a single distraction, just policy. I strongly encourage everyone to find a meeting near you and participate. What a tremendous opportunity to express our views and concerns to the campaign and Democratic party, this is...

Our meeting took just over an hour, but could have gone on much longer if some of us did not have to pick up our children from their various summer camps and activities (we may have a "Meeting Part II" if we can). Our particular group (which actually meets every Wednesday, rain or shine, so to speak) consists of women in their 30's through 70's. Some are former supporters of Senator Clinton, some are long-time Democratic activists, and others (like me) are brand-spankin' new to this. All told, we had a dozen people attend this morning's Platform Meeting.

We all sat in a circle and each of us took a turn talking about which issue was most important to us. After each individual was done speaking, other members of the group would ask questions and make comments until we reached a consensus on the issue.

The issues they discussed ranged from the widening gap between rich and poor to energy independence and American values. After getting to express her ideas and discuss them with fellow supporters, Christine felt even better prepared to spread the word about Barack and his message of change.

Overall, I found the meeting tremendously helpful in getting my own thoughts about why I support Barack in order. It will be much easier to express my views to undecided voters as to why Barack should be President, after having had this opportunity to brainstorm and distill the issues with so many other incredibly bright supporters.

Get out there and sign up for a Platform meeting today! Be the change.

Barack Obama posted a photo:

Barack Obama posted a photo:

Barack Obama posted a photo:

Barack Obama posted a photo:

Barack Obama posted a photo:

Barack Obama posted a photo:

Barack Obama posted a photo:

Barack Obama posted a photo:

Barack Obama posted a photo:

Barack Obama posted a photo:

Democratic Presidential Candidate, Senator Barack Obama tours Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, Israel on Wednesday, July 23, 2008. (David Katz/Obama for America)

Barack Obama posted a photo:

Democratic Presidential Candidate, Senator Barack Obama tours Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, Israel on Wednesday, July 23, 2008. (David Katz/Obama for America)

Barack Obama posted a photo:

Democratic Presidential Candidate, Senator Barack Obama lights the eternal flame at Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, Israel on Wednesday, July 23, 2008. (David Katz/Obama for America)

Barack Obama posted a photo:

Democratic Presidential Candidate, Senator Barack Obama tours Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, Israel on Wednesday, July 23, 2008. (David Katz/Obama for America)

Barack Obama posted a photo:

Democratic Presidential Candidate, Senator Barack Obama tours Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, Israel on Wednesday, July 23, 2008. (David Katz/Obama for America)

Barack Obama posted a photo:

Democratic Presidential Candidate, Senator Barack Obama tours Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, Israel on Wednesday, July 23, 2008. (David Katz/Obama for America)

Barack Obama posted a photo:

Democratic Presidential Candidate, Senator Barack Obama tours Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, Israel on Wednesday, July 23, 2008. (David Katz/Obama for America)