Contact: White House, Office of the Press Secretary, 202-456-2580
11:39 A.M. EST
PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you. Thanks for coming. Secretary Nicholson, thank you for your kind words and for your leadership. Members of the Cabinet, Members of Congress, members of the
On this day, in this month, at this hour, our nation remembers the moment when the guns of World War I went silent -- and we recognize the service and the sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. From Valley Forge to
Since the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, the
On this Veterans Day, we give thanks for the 24 million Americans who strengthen our nation with their example of service and sacrifice. Our veterans are drawn from many generations and from many backgrounds. Some charged across great battlefields. Some fought on the high seas. Some patrolled the open skies. And all contributed to the character and to the greatness of
On this Veterans Day, we honor a new generation of men and women who are defending our freedom. Since September the 11th, 2001, our Armed Forces have engaged the enemy, the terrorists on many fronts. At this moment, more than 1.4 million Americans are on active duty, serving in the cause of freedom and peace around the world. They are our nation’s finest citizens. (Applause.) They confront grave danger to defend the safety of the American people. They’ve brought down tyrants, they’ve liberated two nations, they have helped bring freedom to more than 50 million people. Through their sacrifice, they’re making this nation safer and more secure -- and they are earning the proud title of veteran. (Applause.)
On this Veterans Day, we’re humbled by the strong hearts of those who have served. Last week, Secretary Nicholson told me about a visit he made to
To help Americans show our appreciation to those who have served, Secretary Nicholson has asked all our nation’s veterans to wear their medals today. I urge our citizens to go up to those men and women and shake a hand and give a hug, and give a word of thanks. I ask you to consider volunteering at a veterans hospital or a nursing home. I encourage you to work with your local veterans group to help support our troops in the field -- and their families here at home.
As we raise our flag and as the bugle sounds taps, we remember that the men and women of
I thank you for honoring those who serve today, and for honoring those who have set such a sterling example -- our nation’s veterans. May God bless our veterans, may God bless all who wear the uniform, and may God continue to bless the
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