11/10/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy send the following Veterans Day message:
In 1918, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the belligerent parties of World War I ceased hostilities after years of brutal armed conflict. Two decades later, Nov. 11 became a legal federal holiday -- Armistice Day -- commemorating this 1918 event that was "to end all wars." This would not come to pass, however, and in the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day was rightly re-designated "Veterans Day."
Today, nearly a century later, Nov. 11 endures as the date for our nation to honor veterans of all wars. Patriotic Americans of every generation, including the more than 24 million living veterans, have endured the toil of war to defeat aggression, restore order and secure liberty and opportunity, the birthright of every American. We solemnly pay tribute especially to our servicemembers who gave their last full measure for freedom, and to those who remain missing in action. Their sacrifices have rendered and preserved that which we cherish most. Our humble repayment to them and their families begins with ensuring that they and their stories of valor remain always in our national consciousness.
This Veterans Day, we express sincere gratitude to our servicemembers, and profound appreciation for selfless families who, through their unflagging support for their loved ones who wear the cloth of the United States, also sacrifice for our country. Through their selflessness, our military members and families uphold our nation's ideals, and honor the sacrifice of those who came before. We, as a nation, thank them all.
Comments
11/11/2010 1:13:34 PM ET The photo that was used truly shows our military, Air Force, and honor guard pride. Those members were the original Kandahar Air Field Afghanistan Honor Guard members back in July 2009. On behalf of all honor guard members of the United States Air Force, past and present, we salute all of our veterans. Thank you for your service and Happy Veterans Day.
Hickam Honor Guardsman, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
11/10/2010 11:34:34 PM ET The photo that was used truly shows our Air Force and Honor Guard pride. Those members were the original Kandahar Air Field Afghanistan Honor Guard members back in July 2009. On behalf of all Honor Guard members past and present of the United States Air Force we salute all of our veterans. Thank you for your service.
Hickam Honor Guardsman, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
11/10/2010 5:03:42 PM ET My father is a retired Airman and it was through his efforts and commitment that our organization exists. We are committed to honoring all Air Force airmen and women through our products.
