USAFA supt: ‘Thank you’ veterans

By Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria, the Superintendent, U.S. Air Force Academy, Nov. 9, 2017

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — This weekend we celebrate Veteran’s Day, an opportunity for us to spend time with our families and reflect on the service and sacrifice of the men and women that have worn our nation’s uniform. This week, I visited the VA hospital in Denver and was reminded that all of us serving today, in uniform or out, have inherited a proud legacy. Every veteran has a story.  Some served in war, others in peace; many were volunteers, others were called. Some served just days, and for others the profession of arms was their life’s work. I encourage you to learn their stories. They provide context for our service and make it so much more meaningful.

The freedoms we enjoy were fought for and secured through the sacrifices of the men and women of our armed forces. Our nation exists because ordinary men and women believed America should be something special, and were willing to become champions of the cause of freedom. In each generation Americans have answered the call to serve, and on Veteran’s Day we pause to remember their dedication, commitment, and patriotism.

A little more than half a century before the first Veteran’s Day was celebrated, at the dedication of the Soldier’s National Cemetery in Gettysburg, President Lincoln said: “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did.”  We should never forget what our veterans have done for our nation, and for us.

To our veterans past and present, and to the families, friends and communities who have supported them, thank you.