Armed Forces Day offers America the opportunity to honor and celebrate the commitment, dedication and sacrifices made by each and every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, Coastguardsman and Reservist who protects our way of life. It’s a day to publicly thank our service members for their many sacrifices and let them know we hold them in the highest regard.
It’s unsettling to imagine what America would be today without its courageous defenders, or if it would exist at all. In fact, without America’s service members, the world would be a very different place.
Those who serve our country epitomize selflessness to every degree. To ensure our freedom and peaceful way of life, these individuals commit to leaving their families and lives behind to meet danger and the unknown head-on. They are the guardians of everything we know and love here at home, and have contributed to the betterment of lives across the globe.
Freedom is not free and we are ever-grateful to those willing to pay the cost.
President John F. Kennedy once said, "Our Servicemen and women are serving throughout the world as guardians of peace--many of them away from their homes, their friends and their families. They are visible evidence of our determination to meet any threat to the peace with measured strength and high resolve. They are also evidence of a harsh but inescapable truth--that the survival of freedom requires great cost and commitment, and great personal sacrifice."
While a day of thanks doesn't serve to repay the debt we owe America’s defenders, it serves to reignite our appreciation for them. So this Armed Forces Day, please take the time to thank our country’s heroes for their selfless service, courage, indomitable spirit and for their dedication.
To my fellow comrades, on behalf of the 1.9 million members of the VFW and its auxiliaries, thank you for all you do. I salute you!