Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. John M. Shalikashvili, issued the
following message to the members of the Armed Forces in observance of Veterans
Day:
"On this Veterans Day, I am honored to join the citizens of this Nation in
giving special recognition and thanks to the men and women who have served,
and continue to serve, in the Armed Forces of the United States. Our veterans
have willingly dedicated and often sacrificed their lives as the guardians of
freedom and protectors of democracy. It is only fitting that we take this time
to reflect upon the great contributions that our troops have made, and
continue to make, in the evolution of America's history.
"Whether training, preparing for deployment, serving in a foreign conflict,
or taking part in a humanitarian mission, your unequivocal commitment to duty
makes our Nation proud. In the face of extreme hardship and unparalleled
challenges, you have aided in fostering democracy and freedom throughout the
world.
"On behalf of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, I thank each of you -- active,
reserve, components and retired. What a privilege it is to stand with the
soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen -- you who give of
yourself to preserve the security of our great Nation. I am proud of you and
consider it an honor to be recognized as `a veteran.'"
