I wanted to take some time to once again express my profound appreciation on Veteran’s Day. I take many things lightly, but not the importance of this day. While once per year seems a shallow offering, please understand that those of us currently serving in uniform immensely value your service.
Many of you served in a time when America was inhospitable to the military, and thus, you never received the recognition or appreciation you deserved. You know better than most the fickle nature of democracy, yet honorable service was and is an inescapable part of you. So first and foremost, thank you for your service, no matter the uniform, duration of duty, or era in which you served.
Whether you realize it or not, you all instituted a touchstone of excellence, proven from boot camp to battlefield, bomber and boomer.
Secondly, whether you realize it or not, you all instituted a touchstone of excellence, proven from boot camp to battlefield, bomber and boomer. Today we serve history’s most capable martial force amongst an appreciative society. Veterans understand the unyielding mandate placed upon the military and, even in this era of never-ending rhetoric, need not be reminded that we are still in combat every day. Veterans should also understand that those of us currently wearing the uniform are still willing to vigorously defend those things our nation holds most dear, even if it means the utmost personal sacrifice to do so. This challenge remains a requirement in a dangerous world that now, as before, demands persistence, discipline, and a steadfast commitment to succeed wherever the challenge. That mandate has not changed, and as long as I have anything to do with it, it will be as accepted on my watch as it was on yours.
My military experience has instilled me with a sense of amazement in our youth, even as I know we have it better than those who served before. You should know that not one service member today is able to accomplish the mission without the benefits of the pedigree earned by your efforts and sacrifice. That pedigree underlies all we do. As such, I will always look with awe, gratitude, and respect upon America’s veterans. I cannot properly express to you how proud I am to be bound in that brotherhood. Please accept this letter on this Veteran’s Day as a token attempt to express that pride and heartfelt appreciation.
Godspeed.