As I am wont to do on special days, I am surrendering this space today to those who are much more thoughtful, brighter and more articulate than I am when it comes to addressing the meaning of the commemoration.
I will say only one thing: Veteran’s Day is like unto Memorial Day in that we rightly honor those who gave all for our country. And yet in many ways this day is more. For we also honor those once referred to as the hidden heroes. We honor those who have served and are with us still. We thank you for your service to our great nation.
The following is presented on behalf of all here at News & Neighbor with profound admiration and gratitude to those who have served our country and preserved our liberty – every citizen who has donned the uniform of this nation. May God bless you and may God bless America.
This country has been blessed with citizens who have taken their civic responsibility seriously and have taken up arms and marched to the sound of the guns whenever and wherever the rights of man have been threatened. These citizen soldiers were not seeking personal gain or even fame. Their country called and they answered. Theirs was a simple, patriotic response. They recognized their duty and acted accordingly. Those who survived, and are represented here today, returned home convinced they had done something worthwhile, something to make this world a better place to live. They served in the cause of freedom for all mankind. And for them, that was enough.
– Colin Powell
Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you: Jesus Christ and the American soldier.
– Anonymous
In the end, the only way to maintain the peace is to be prepared in the final extreme to fight for our country – and to mean it.
– John Fitzgerald Kennedy
The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.
– Calvin Coolidge
The patriot’s blood is the seed of freedom’s tree.
– Thomas Campbell
What I can do for my country, I am willing to do.
– Christopher Gadsden
Duty is the grandest of ideas, because it implies the idea of God, of the soul, of liberty, of responsibility, of immortality.
– Lacondaire
We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.
– Cynthia Ozick
Some people live an entire lifetime wondering if they ever made a difference in the world. Marines do not have that problem.
– Ronald Reagan
Duty then is the sublimest word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never wish to do less.
– Robert E. Lee
There is no question what the roll of honor in America is. The roll of honor consists of the names of men who have squared their conduct by ideals of duty.
– Woodrow Wilson
Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men.
– George S. Patton
No really great man ever thought himself so.
– Anonymous
Strong men are made by opposition. Like kites they rise against the wind.
– Frank Harris
There is always room for a man of force, and he makes room for many.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Some say, “Any fool can make war,” without realizing that they are explaining the reason why wise men arm themselves.
– Anonymous
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers:/
For he today that sheds his blood with me/
Shall be my brother.
– William Shakespeare
On this day, we also thank those who returned with the memory of war’s desolation, some with physical pain which they will always bear. They, perhaps more than others, are determined to build a wiser world.
– Jimmy Carter
Liberty’s in every blow! Let us do or die!
– Robert Burns
The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance.
– John Philpot Curran
A ‘Special Day’ once a year creates an excuse for neglect on the other 364 days for mothers, fathers and veterans.
– Kamil Ali
Oh hear us when we cry to thee for those in peril on the sea.
– The Navy Hymn: Eternal Father Strong to Save
I do not know what effect these men will have on the enemy, but, by God, they terrify me!
– The Duke of Wellington
We must be constantly prepared for the worst and constantly acting for the best…strong enough to win a war and wise enough to prevent one.
– Lyndon B. Johnson
Give us the tools and we will finish the job.
– Winston Churchill
The true character of liberty is independence, maintained by force.
– Voltaire
They gave up everything for our country, for us, and all we can do is remember.
– Reagan
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
– Kennedy
