For
Immediate Release
Office of the
Press Secretary
November 11,
2003
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington, Virginia
11:38 A.M.
EST
THE
PRESIDENT: Thank you all very much. Thank you for the warm welcome.
Thank
you, Secretary Principi, for doing a really fine job to represent our
nation's
veterans. Members of the Cabinet, members of the Congress, members of
our
military, veterans, Commander Berger, representatives of veterans
organizations,
and fellow Americans: Laura and I are proud to join all of you and
citizens
across our country as we honor the service of America's veterans.
We observe
Veterans Day
on an anniversary -- not of a great battle or of the beginning of a
war,
but of a day when war ended and our nation was again at peace. Ever
since
the Armistice of November the 11th, 1918, this has been a day to
remember
our debt to all who have worn the uniform of the United States.
Our veterans
have borne
the costs of America's wars and have stood watch over America's peace.
And, today, every veteran can be certain: The nation you served and the
people you defended are grateful. (Applause.)
Our nation
knows this
National Cemetery as the final resting place of those lost to the
violence
of war. Yet, most of the markers here stand over the graves of
Americans
who lived beyond their years of military service. On the hills of
Arlington
and in the daily lives of our country, veterans have a special place.
We
honor them all for their service in uniform. And we honor America's
veterans
for the full lives of their service they continue to lead.
Today,
more than 25 million Americans wear the proud title of veteran, or
retired
military. Their ranks include young men and women who gave good years
to
our all-volunteer military and recently returned to civilian
life.
Our veterans include more than 11 million men and women from the
conflicts
of Korea and Vietnam, who earned this nation's gratitude and respect.
More
than 4 million living Americans served in World War II, under the
command
of Eisenhower and Bradley and Nimitz. And on Veterans Day 2003, it is
still
possible to thank, in person, almost 200 Americans who were in uniform
when the guns of World War I went silent 85 years from today. All the
men
who served when Woodrow Wilson was the Commander-in-Chief are now more
than 100 years old, and they can know that America is still proud of
them.
(Applause.)
Every
veteran has his
or her own story of entering military service. Many enlisted on Monday
morning, December 8th, 1941, or at the beginning of other conflicts.
For
some, military life began with the initiation at an academy. For
others,
it began with a letter from the United States government. Yet when
their
service is complete, veterans of every era, every background and every
branch have certain things in common. And those shared commitments and
experience formed bonds that last a lifetime.
Every
veteran has lived
by a strict code of discipline. Every veteran understands the meaning
of
personal accountability and loyalty and shared sacrifice. From the
moment
you repeated the oath to the day of your honorable discharge, your time
belonged to America; your country came before all else. And whether you
served abroad or at home, you have shared in the responsibility of
maintaining
the finest fighting force in the world.
Veterans
who took the oath and served in battle have known the hardships and the
fears and the tragic losses of war.
These
memories follow them through life, and are sometimes hard to bear. Yet
our war veterans,
wherever they
fought, can know this: In the harshest hours of conflict, they serve
just
and honorable
purposes.
Americans
are a peaceful
people, and this nation has always gone to war reluctantly, and always
for a noble cause. America's war veterans have fought for the security
of this nation, for the safety of our friends, and for the peace of the
world. They humbled tyrants and defended the innocent, and liberated
the
oppressed. And across the Earth, you will find entire nations
that
once lived in fear, where men and women still tell of the day when
Americans
came and set them free. (Applause.)
America's
mission in the
world continues, and we count on the same kind of people to carry it
out.
Today, in assignments around the world, more than 1.4 million Americans
are on active duty, earning the title of veteran by serving in the
cause
of freedom. In two years and two months since our country was attacked,
the men and women of our Armed Forces have engaged the terrorist enemy
on many fronts. They've confronted grave dangers to defend the safety
of
the American people. They have liberated two nations -- Afghanistan and
Iraq -- delivering more than 50 million people from the hands of
dictators.
Those who serve and fight today are adding great achievements of their
own to America's history. America is grateful for their daring,
grateful
for their honor, and grateful for their sacrifice. (Applause.)
On
this Veterans Day, with our nation at war, Americans are deeply aware
of
the current military struggle and of recent sacrifice. Young Americans
have died in liberating Iraq and Afghanistan. They've died in securing
freedom in those countries. The loss is terrible. It is borne
especially
by the families left behind. But in their hurt and in their loneliness,
I want these families to know your loved one served in a good and just
cause. (Applause.) They died in distant lands to fight terror, to
advance
freedom and to protect America. They did not live to be called
veterans,
but this
nation will never forget their lives of service and all they did
for us.
At this
hour, many thousands
are following their duty at great risk. One young man serving in Iraq
recently
said this: "We in the military signed up and pledged to protect this
great
country of ours from enemies foreign and domestic. We're fighting," he
said, "so that the next generation might never have to experience
anything
like September the 11th, 2001." (Applause.)
Today and
every day, the
prayers of the American people are with those who wear our country's
uniform.
They serve a great cause and they follow a great tradition, handed down
to them by America's veterans. Our veterans from every era are the
finest
of citizens. We owe them the life we know today. They command the
respect
of the American people, and they have our lasting gratitude.
Thank you
for coming today.
May God bless America, and may God bless all who defend it.
(Applause.)
END 11:50
A.M. EST
Photo
Note 1: President George W. Bush stands with National
Commander
of the Army and Navy Union David Berger, left, and Secretary of
Veterans
Affairs Anthony Principi during the Veterans Day ceremonies at
Arlington
National Cemetery Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2003. "We observe Veterans Day on
an
anniversary -- not of a great battle or of the beginning of a war, but
of a day when war ended and our nation was again at peace," said the
President.
"Ever since the Armistice of November the 11th, 1918, this has been a
day
to remember our debt to all who have worn the uniform of the United
States."
White House photo by Paul Morse.
Photo
Note 2: Honoring those who died in service to America,
President
George W. Bush lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington
Cemetery
on Veterans Day Nov. 11, 2003. After the wreath was placed, "Taps" was
played and a moment of silence was observed. White House photo by Paul
Morse.
Photo
Note 3: Placing his hand over his heart, President George W. Bush
participates in the Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns
in Arlington Cemetery on Veterans Day Nov. 11, 2003. Laura Bush is
pictured
standing behind the President. White House photo by Paul Morse.
Photo
Note 4: President George W. Bush bows his head for a moment of silence
after placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington
National
Cemetery. Army Photo by 1st Lt. Steve Alvarez, USA
