Memorial Day at Local Motors

Today we observed a US National Holiday, Memorial Day, in honor of all fallen soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines. It was a welcome day to remember and reflect on that which we are about.

To all who have served, thank you for your selfless sacrifice. You have learned the meaning of fear and the meaning of courage. These are the indelible consequences of your action: Your life will never be the same and your country will be forever grateful.

We, who pursue the creation of a new automotive landscape, salute you.

This day is particularly meaningful to me because I started Local Motors in large part to build a company which could impact directly the seemingly inevitable need for a Foreign Policy and Economy so focused on the use and security of oil. Without making any political comment, I know from my 8 years of service in the US Marines that we as a country cannot help but be focused on the status of this precious natural resource. Schools, food, business, and, yes, transportation, in addition to so much more, all depend on oil and its moderate price and consistent availability.

Transportation claims 70% of US oil end-use and so a change there stands the chance of making a substantial difference in our nation's dependence.

Local Motors cannot do it alone, but we expect to be on the vanguard of this change. A revolution in transportation industry is coming. If you would like to learn more about our plan, visit our website and pay particular attention to our "why?" section.

In specific I would like to take the end of this post to dedicate all of our attention to one of several personal friends who never came home from war.

On July 21, 2006, Captain Christopher Pate died in an IED attack in Al Anbar province Iraq. Chris and I met first in Ground Intelligence Officer's Course in Dam Neck, Virginia. He was an intense Marine and fine young man. I am better off for having known him, and if this post is any indication, his sacrifice will never have been in vain.

Chris, I will miss you brother, and I promise we are doing everything we can every day not only to make a company would save others from having to make the same sacrifice as you but also to make a car that would put that sly smile on your face.....much like this one:










(http://www.iraqwarheroes.org/photos17/christopher_pate01.jpg)