| (The following is a joint message from the honorable Louis
Caldera, Secretary of the Army, and Gen. Eric K. Shinseki, Army Chief of Staff.) Each
year, the nation sets aside Nov. 11 as a day to honor the heroism and sacrifice of
America's soldiers, past and present.
Veterans Day is the time we recall the courageous legacy of soldiers who fought in our
nation's wars, from the war of independence to the Persian Gulf. It is also a moment for
us to pause and express our appreciation for the fierce dedication of the many soldiers
who serve in our ranks today.
In the 225 years since the Army's establishment, American soldiers have answered the
call of duty with honor and dauntless courage. From the snows of Valley Forge to the
slopes of Little Round Top, from the forests of Meuse-Argonne, to the beaches of Normandy,
from the frozen hills of the Chosun Reservoir to the burning sands of Kuwait, the men and
women of the U.S. Army have demonstrated their invincible spirit and their love of freedom
and human dignity.
Today, the men and women of the U.S. Army are trusted warriors who save lives, uphold
the values that made America great and defend the principles of democracy. At this very
hour, thousands of soldiers are preserving the fragile peace in Korea and helping quell
ethnic violence and rebuild civil society in the Balkans. They support anti-drug efforts
in Latin America, provide humanitarian demining assistance to the nations of Africa, and
engage in confidence-building exercises with former Warsaw Pact states of Eastern Europe.
They are carrying on a legacy of valor and service that soldiers before them
established through the long years of our nation's history.
Because of the tradition of excellence established by their predecessors before them in
the long green line, soldiers today are able to face each challenge, accept every danger
and overcome all obstacles with confidence and unparalleled dedication.
They are a shining example of all that is best in America: they are the vessel that
embodies our nation's virtues; they are the strong right arm that shields our freedoms;
and they are the mortar that helps bind our nation together in common purpose.
We cherish and honor our veterans and serving soldiers. We remember that they are the
American heroes who answered the nation's call, doing the hard work of preserving the
peace and freedom all Americans enjoy, and bringing hope and justice to people throughout
the world. Whatever achievements our nation has attained, whatever bounty we have been
granted, we owe to the men and women who have stood guard at the front lines of our
republic. And so on this day of reflection, a grateful nation thanks our veterans - young
and old, those yet living and those who fell on foreign battlefields or are buried in the
hallowed ground of cemeteries across our land - for all they have done and continue to do
for the citizens of our great country. |