AMVETS National Speeches

Veterans Day 2008

As a nation, we have prospered because we’ve always had citizens willing to stand up and answer the call to serve in hours of need. Our national resolve has been expressed by the millions who have worn the military uniform. Today, we honor our veterans, past and present, for their unyielding sacrifice and dedication to our great nation.
As many of you know, Veterans Day was first observed in 1919 to commemorate the Armistice Agreement ending World War I—the supposed “war to end all wars.” President Dwight D. Eisenhower broadened its meaning in 1954 when he officially renamed it Veterans Day, to recognize all those who had served.
This year, Veterans Day falls amid national challenges that are unlike any others in our history. The War on Terrorism is a long-term struggle that has sent our troops to multiple theaters around the world. To say the least, the obstacles have been trying and the dangers have been real.
But progress is being made.
Recently, we’ve seen our men and women in uniform make huge strides in the name of freedom. They’ve not only made our own country more secure, but they continue to bring the fight to our enemies in Iraq and Afghanistan. Though significant challenges lie ahead before stability returns to these areas, the brave men and women serving in our military are prepared to do the job.

The same dedication we witness in today’s endeavors has preserved America in the toughest of times throughout its history. Whether in peace or at war, the important role of our veterans cannot be denied. They are men and women from all walks of life—some young, some old; some ordinary, some famous. But they share one thing in common—a love for this great country.
In return for their many sacrifices, these brave individuals ask very little. And thus, it falls to an indebted nation to meet their selflessness with thankfulness.
In the coming year, AMVETS must recommit itself to honoring the sacrifices of our veterans. We must mobilize our membership to get out and serve those who have served; whether it’s visiting our veterans’ and military hospitals, or simply working with the citizen-soldiers of the National Guard in our own communities, we all must make a concerted effort to ensure the actions of all veterans are appropriately remembered and appreciated.
It’s time we as a nation take the proper steps to renew our commitment to those who made a commitment to America. We must ensure that the VA has the proper resources to do its job. We must not stand idly by as our veterans wait years to receive their benefits and are turned away in their hour of need.
In the last few months, our legislators have taken an important step in ensuring timely, sufficient, and predictable funding for the VA, and AMVETS will work in the coming months to finally make this a reality. We must not have another paper-shredding scandal as we saw in Detroit earlier this year. The VA needs the proper resources to ensure that their workforce is not overtaxed and under-trained.
This coming summer, the VA will roll out the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, fulfilling the promise of a quality education to our newest generation of veterans. This is a landmark bill that will honor the service of our heroes by affording them a monumental opportunity to succeed.
For no matter where or when our veterans have served, they’ve always served with distinction. Service to country is a bridge over which more than 38 million Americans have passed during time of war. It was built on courage, dedication and patriotism—keystones in our American way of life.
So on this Veterans Day, there is much to commemorate, and much to be thankful for. It is true that America is strong and free. But we would never have come this far without the heroes we call veterans.
Today we have the privilege of honoring this very special group of Americans, whose service spans every decade of our country’s existence. We owe a great deal. First and foremost, we owe them our freedom. And today, especially, we owe them our gratitude. Thank you—and God Bless America.

Media Contact:
National
Communications Director
Jay Agg
(301) 683-4035
jagg@amvets.org

National
Publications Editor
Isaac Pacheco
(301)-683-4038
ipacheco@amvets.org

National
Graphic Designer
Luis A. JImenez
(301) 683-4036
ljimenez@amvets.org

National
Media Specialist
Ryan Gallucci
(301)683-4073
rgallucci@amvets.org