Veterans Day

“ Veterans Day is a special day for all Americans. It is a time to reflect on the many sacrifices and the great achievements of the brave men and women who have defended our freedom, and to salute them for their loyal and valiant service. ”

“ There are some 27 million veterans in America today whose service ranges from World War I, through the Cold War, to the Persian Gulf War and our other recent military missions around the globe. Thanks to their loyalty and courage, this country remains a symbol of hope for all those who seek democracy and peace. On Veterans Day and on every day throughout the year, let us remember and honor the sacrifices of our veterans and renew our commitment to accounting for their comrades-in-arms who have fallen, unknown and unrecovered, in distant fields of battle. ”

“ Of all of the important days to be celebrated during America's Bicentennial, none is more worthy of special observance than Veterans Day. Had not the patriotic men and women, to whom we pay deserved and grateful tribute on Veterans Day, heard and answered freedom's call during the past 200 years, there would be no American Bicentennial of freedom. ”

“ Veterans Day affords all Americans a special opportunity to honor the deeds of those who sacrificed so much to answer the call to arms during the life of this great country. On this day, our Nation is united in tribute to the valiant men and women who have unselfishly given of themselves to serve in our Armed Forces. ”

“ Among the great days of national remembrance, none is more deeply moving to Americans than Veterans Day. On this occasion, our nation traditionally joins together to salute those valiant individuals who have served in the Armed Forces. ”

“ Veterans Day affords each of us the opportunity to join our fellow citizens, in communities across the Nation, in honoring those whose love of country knew no bounds-those to whom patriotism was principle, not mere sentiment. ”

“ Let us give special consideration on that day to those who have died in our Nation's wars and those who have been disabled. Let this be a day of remembrance for those veterans who are in our hospitals, a day on which our appreciation is expressed tangibly by our visits and our attention. ”

“ The willingness of America's veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. On this, our Nation's 50th annual Veterans Day observance, we celebrate and honor the patriots who have fought to protect the democratic ideals that are the foundation of our country. ”

“ Our Veterans have earned our deep and lasting gratitude for their valor, their patriotism, and their willingness to sacrifice so that others might remain free.
Now, Therefore, I, Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States of America, do hereby call on all Americans to join in observing Monday, October 28, 1974, as Veterans Day. I urge both public ceremony and private contemplation in recognition of the precious gifts of freedom and security that are ours because those we honor have stood in our defense. ”

“ Veterans like Flo, they deserve our undying gratitude. They deserve the chance to keep serving the country they risked everything to defend. And so we must come together to keep giving them that chance, not just on Veterans Day, but on every single day of the year. May God bless all those who serve and all who have given their lives for our country. ”

“ These are the men and women we honor today. These are the men and women we’ll honor on Veterans Day. And these are the men and women we shall honor every day, in times of war and times of peace, so long as our nation endures. ”

“ As Commander in Chief, I want every veteran to know that America will always honor your service and your sacrifice. Not just today, but every day. And just as you have fought for us, we're going to keep fighting for you, for more jobs, for more security, and for the opportunity to keep your families strong, and America competitive in the 21st Century. So to all our veterans, thank you for your service. ”

“ I call upon all Americans to support the Veterans Day theme-"A Grateful Nation Remembers"-and I urge families, friends, neighbors and fellow citizens to show their gratitude by visiting ill and disabled veterans in Veterans Administration medical centers across the country. ”

“ I urge all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I urge the families and friends of our sick and disabled veterans to visit them and extend to them a grateful Nation's promise that they will not be forgotten. I ask all Americans, whether or not a family member or friend is a veteran, to find ways to pay a special sign of respect to a veteran in their community on this day. ”

“ During National Veterans and Military Families Month, we honor the significant contributions made by American service members, their families, and their loved ones. We set aside this month surrounding Veterans Day to hold observances around the country to honor and thank those whose service and sacrifice represent the very best of America. ”

“ The time to act is running out. There are now just four days left on the legislative calendar before Congress leaves town for their Thanksgiving break. The best way members of Congress can give thanks to our veterans is to send me a clean bill that I can sign into law.
On this Veterans Day, I urge every American to take time to thank one of our Nation's 24 million veterans. They come from different generations and different backgrounds. But they are united by a commitment to honor, duty, and love of country that has kept America free. They continue to strengthen and inspire our Nation. ”

“ Each time our nation has called upon our citizens to serve, the best have come forward. Words cannot express our gratitude and admiration. But we can and should take the opportunity on this Veterans Day to remember their gift to us. ”

“ I deem it most appropriate that in public ceremonies as well as in private thoughts and prayers we gratefully acknowledge the magnificent contribution of our veterans to an America that today remains free and, with the help of God, at peace. ”

“ Every veteran in this country deserves our thanks and gratitude this weekend of all weekends. And, my friends, on this, the last Veterans Day I will commemorate as President, I would like to say that if there is one change George Bush and I made that touches me most profoundly it would probably be this: Once again our young men and women are proud to wear the uniform of their country-Flight Lieutenant George Bush sure was. ”

“ I encourage all communities, all sectors of society, and all Americans to acknowledge and honor the service, sacrifices, and contributions of veterans and military families for what they have done and for what they do every day to support our great Nation. ”

“ We can never repay our veterans for all that they have endured for our sake, but we can show by our actions—on this day and every day of the year—that their great sacrifices are indeed cherished and remembered. Whether we do so on our own or through our schools, businesses, and community organizations, let us convey our thanks to veterans through acts of generosity and kindness. ”

“ America's veterans answered the call when asked to protect our Nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our Nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history. ”

“ It is often difficult for them to think back on those names and faces, on the ones who never lived to be called veterans.
But on Memorial Day, we accept our obligation to do just that. We will remember the heroism, the hardship, the national gain and personal loss our wars have brought. America has been given so much, but of all our assets, resources and strengths, none have counted for more than the courage of young soldiers in the face of battle.
When war has come, the great decisions were made here at the White House. ”