Remembering Ed, Speeches

Welcome and good afternoon.

President Kennedy once said that, "A nation reveals itself not only by the people it produces, but also by the people it honors... the people it remembers." That is our purpose today, to honor and remember a husband, father and a Cavalryman in COL Edwin Ramsey.

Let me start by welcoming the family, friends and distinguished guests that are here to honor Ed. The Bills' Family had the distinct honor and great privilege to know Ed over the last 25 years. We entered Ed and Raqui's life through the US Horse Cavalry Association at Fort Riley, Kansas and learned very quickly as young Captains that Ed was a special person. Ed was a modest and unassuming man and to this younger generation of Cavalrymen, he was a real hero. We were very fortunate to be a part of his life and through several venues Ed would describe his exploits and activities as he lead the Troopers of the 26th Cavalry in a charge against hundreds of Japanese soldiers with pistols blazing followed by years of leading a herculean effort against the Japanese in the Philippines.

Ed would never admit to being a hero, but much has been said about Ed and the Greatest Generation, their heroism, accomplishments and their sacrifices which have been nothing short of spectacular. Their legacy is a population living in freedom; their charge is that we, the living, guarantee a continuation of that legacy for coming generations. We need only respect and understand that the great decisions of history have been decided mostly by war and by the Soldier.

Ed impressed upon us all, the importance of service to our Country and that those who take an oath to protect and defend our Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, understand the true cost of freedom. His dedication to his comrades in arms, mission and Country is an example for others to emulate. Well-respected men like Ed are the ones who protected our country's way of life. Today, when a Soldier raises their hand, they are taught to live by the Army Values. Ed lived those values every day of his life: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Sacrifice, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage.

Raqui, words are not enough to express our thanks for what Ed did for us. Please accept our heart-felt and everlasting appreciation and deepest sorrow for your loss. Ed is gone but will never be forgotten as another Cavalry Scout enters "Fiddlers Green." Thank you.