Ground Report

“Every year, we set aside Veterans Day to honor all the men and women who’ve served our country in uniform.  We celebrate veterans from generations past.  We welcome a new generation of veterans home from war.  And we thank our future veterans, still serving at home and abroad.

They are securing our nation through their engagement across the globe.  Some are in West Africa, contributing to the global effort to stop the spread of Ebola.  Some are in the Middle East, working closely with our coalition partners in the fight against ISIL.  And some are in Afghanistan, where next month the United States will responsibly end the longest war in our history.

For our troops serving around the world today, and those transitioning out of the military, our obligations are only beginning.  Taking care of them, and their families, is a sacred responsibility we must always uphold.

Let’s celebrate them by telling their stories.  Let’s help those who need it, while supporting their strength and resilience.  And let’s honor our veterans by creating new opportunities for them to contribute after their service, so they can continue making a difference in the world.

To all our veterans – thank you.  Thank you for everything you’ve done for our country.  You’re among the best our nation has to offer.  God bless you and your families, and happy Veterans Day.”

To watch Secretary Hagel’s tribute to his fellow veterans, click here.

Note: In my case I had male relatives of my family (on both sides) who served in every major conflict of the 19-20th century. I also had uncles die in Europe fighting the Nazis in WWII. See video:WWII combat footage http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DiSQ36zfWk