KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) salutes our nation’s men and women who answered the call of duty by serving in the world’s greatest military on this Veterans Day.
“As veterans of foreign wars and as members of an organization whose primary mission is to serve and care for those who have served, we understand that Veterans Day is a day of deep significance,” said VFW National Commander Hal Roesch II. “To the VFW, this is not just another day. To the members of the VFW and our Auxiliary, this is a day to both celebrate and honor the millions of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who have selflessly gone whenever, wherever our nation has called them.”
President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation” Oct. 8, 1954, which stated: “In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.”
Veterans Day is a time where we, as Americans, have much to be thankful for. We remember the courageous men and women who fought to defend and preserve democracy. We remember the dedicated families who sacrificed time away from their mothers and fathers. We remember our sisters and brothers who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Veterans Day remains a joyous occasion where we simply say “Thank You” to the patriots who selflessly served their fellow Americans in order for us to enjoy the wonderful freedoms we cherish so dearly.
“I hope this Veterans Day serves to motivate us all with a renewed sense of patriotism, purpose and pride,” said Roesch. “For America is truly the best country on earth as a direct result of those who serve her.”
On behalf of the more than 1.5 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliary, we honor our veterans — past and present — for their enduring heroism, patriotism and love for our nation. Happy Veterans Day!