Bill Clinton

“ On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to all those who have served in our Armed Forces, and we remember with deep respect those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. America's veterans have answered the highest calling of citizenship, and they continue to inspire us with the depth of their patriotism and the generosity of their service. ”

“ Over the course of our history, some 41 million Americans have served—and more than a million have died—so that we might live in freedom. We are the beneficiaries of their courage, their sacrifice, and their vigilance; and so are countless freedom-loving people around the world. ”

“ It is a call to untiring effort, to continual sacrifice and to the willingness, if necessary, to die in its defense." Today we give thanks to the veterans of our Armed Forces for showing that willingness. Whether serving on bases and in ports at home or deployed across the globe, they have endured hardship and danger to protect our Nation and assist our allies. The story of America has been written, in large part, by the deeds of our veterans—deeds that bind us to our past, inspire us in the present, and strengthen us to meet the challenges of the future. ”