On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 the Allies signed the Armistice with Germany which ended the Great War, the war to end all wars from which Veterans Day evolved. Simply put, Memorial Day is set aside to honor our fallen — the over one million American servicemen and women who have died in our nation’s conflicts and wars going back to our founding. Veterans Day salutes all who served regardless of when or where. It is our day, which we equally share with our families who served and sacrificed alongside us.
On this day we honor the contributions and sacrifices of nearly 22 million living Veterans who have served our country in the name of liberty and justice. From the jungles of Vietnam to the mountains of Afghanistan, from Bastogne to Baghdad, from Pork Chop Hill to the Persian Gulf our Veterans have borne the cost of America’s wars and continue to stand watch over America’s peace.
Today is their day – today is our day – to stand just a little bit taller and be recognized by a grateful nation that appreciates what the few have done for the many. In times of danger and in times of peace, it is the selfless dedication of America’s Veteran who continues to secure the freedoms on which our great country was founded.
Not only on Veterans Day but every day, we must take the opportunity to keep alive the memories, sacrifices and accomplishments of our nation’s Veterans. We must offer them our support and advocate on their behalf and that of their families while staying ever mindful of the fact that we are able to live freely and gather here today because of their service to others. To do less would diminish their service and sacrifice.
Around the world, Veterans have broken the shackles of tyranny, unleashed the chains of bondage and emancipated entire nations from oppression. On Veterans Day our mighty flag waves high above and our hearts swell with patriotism. There is no greater nation on Earth than the United States of America and we owe a debt greater than we can ever repay to the generations who came before us and to those who come after us.
