At a recent town hall in Hollis, New Hampshire, a World War II veteran thanked Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican presidential candidate, saying that his words were what his generation “grew up in”.
In a social media exchange from the event, the veteran, identified as David, took a moment on Friday to thank the GOP outsider who made restoring the national identity an important part of his campaign.
David started by saying, “I would like to tell you that I am a World War II veteran.” The crowd erupted in applause and Ramaswamy shook his hand.
“What you’re saying, the words you’re saying, are exactly what my generation grew up in,” David said. “Children and adults stood at attention and crossed their hearts when the flag passed by in a parade.” “School used to start each day with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and that’s no longer going on.”
“There was loyalty and pride among Americans.” Children as young as 12 and 13 joined the military to protect their country. It was a single country. America. Your policies are good. It’s the only thing I can remember. He said, “Thank you very much,” before receiving another round of applause.
Ramaswamy hugged the veteran again, saying, “Thanks for your service in this country, it means a great deal.”
The veteran told the candidate, “You are my hero.”
“You’re my hero,” Ramaswamy exclaimed.
A World War II veteran expresses deep gratitude to @VivekGRamaswamy, thanking him for being his hero:
“The words you’re saying are exactly what my generation grew up in. Children and adults stood at attention and crossed their hearts when the flag passed by in a parade.
School… pic.twitter.com/3tpsiwEgGK
— KanekoaTheGreat (@KanekoaTheGreat) September 15, 2023
Ramaswamy is a biotech entrepreneur who had virtually no national name before entering the race for 2024. He has since risen to the top of the polls and made an impact at the first Republican Primary Debate last month.
Ramaswamy was ranked third in a new national survey released on Thursday, with 11% of primary voters supporting him behind the Florida Governor. Ron DeSantis is on 13%, and former president Donald Trump has a solid lead of 60%. These are the only candidates who poll in double figures.
DeSantis, Ramaswamy, and other candidates are tied for second place when asked by polled voters who they would choose if Trump was not running. They each received 33%, while the rest of the field only got single-digit support. Former Vice President Mike Pence was in last place with only 11% of the vote, while the rest received support below 10%.
