1 00:00:02,089 --> 00:00:04,033 The armed forces , honor guard and 2 00:00:04,033 --> 00:00:06,200 United States army band are formed and 3 00:00:06,200 --> 00:00:08,367 waiting as the president of the United 4 00:00:08,367 --> 00:00:10,589 States moves to the tomb of the unknown 5 00:00:10,589 --> 00:00:09,979 soldier to place the wreath . 6 00:00:15,720 --> 00:00:18,360 Distinguished guests , please stand for 7 00:00:18,370 --> 00:00:20,860 the national anthem and remain standing 8 00:00:20,870 --> 00:00:21,940 for taps . 9 00:01:37,360 --> 00:01:41,239 Not bye 10 00:01:42,099 --> 00:01:43,620 but no 11 00:01:54,559 --> 00:01:57,760 free this time . 12 00:01:58,559 --> 00:01:59,559 I have . 13 00:02:54,479 --> 00:02:55,479 Yeah . 14 00:03:23,289 --> 00:03:25,630 Oh oh , I would 15 00:03:27,550 --> 00:03:28,550 I 16 00:03:39,250 --> 00:03:40,250 ok . 17 00:03:53,820 --> 00:03:56,960 Free but 18 00:04:29,200 --> 00:04:29,500 so . 19 00:06:13,260 --> 00:06:16,559 Oh God , but 20 00:06:17,089 --> 00:06:17,440 I 21 00:06:24,790 --> 00:06:25,790 two . 22 00:06:31,429 --> 00:06:32,429 But 23 00:07:39,779 --> 00:07:41,668 the wreath laying ceremony is now 24 00:07:41,668 --> 00:07:43,668 complete . The Veterans Day program 25 00:07:43,668 --> 00:07:45,890 will begin momentarily . Please move to 26 00:07:45,890 --> 00:07:45,750 your seats . 27 00:08:33,359 --> 00:08:35,348 All right . What ? 28 00:08:37,768 --> 00:08:39,129 But ok , 29 00:08:43,658 --> 00:08:46,869 and we in 30 00:08:48,650 --> 00:08:52,390 a cry a sw we 31 00:08:52,400 --> 00:08:54,000 had to stop 32 00:08:56,570 --> 00:08:57,950 all this time . 33 00:09:00,400 --> 00:09:01,400 Sworn . 34 00:09:05,039 --> 00:09:06,380 Oh , ok . 35 00:09:15,489 --> 00:09:16,979 Ok . They 36 00:09:21,809 --> 00:09:22,809 mhm . 37 00:09:44,559 --> 00:09:45,559 I see . 38 00:09:55,119 --> 00:09:56,229 I can see . 39 00:10:05,109 --> 00:10:07,630 80 . Oh 40 00:10:13,900 --> 00:10:14,900 and , and , 41 00:10:22,270 --> 00:10:24,780 and ok , 42 00:10:26,510 --> 00:10:30,309 funny truth 43 00:10:30,520 --> 00:10:31,349 is on . 44 00:10:45,450 --> 00:10:46,450 Right . 45 00:11:13,229 --> 00:11:14,229 Yeah , 46 00:11:19,179 --> 00:11:22,890 you , no , you are . 47 00:11:26,890 --> 00:11:28,280 Christ was 48 00:11:30,890 --> 00:11:33,140 now I see two . 49 00:11:36,159 --> 00:11:40,049 Ok . Before on the 50 00:11:40,630 --> 00:11:44,299 trans you and we 51 00:11:47,859 --> 00:11:51,719 as he I to make 52 00:11:54,890 --> 00:11:58,750 let us live to leg and be one . 53 00:12:00,469 --> 00:12:01,789 Is she ? 54 00:12:29,210 --> 00:12:30,210 Mhm . 55 00:12:48,619 --> 00:12:49,619 Right . 56 00:12:56,429 --> 00:12:57,429 Yes , 57 00:15:01,710 --> 00:15:04,669 distinguished guests . Major general 58 00:15:04,679 --> 00:15:07,940 Trevor J . Brandon Camp , commanding 59 00:15:07,950 --> 00:15:10,700 general of joint task force , national 60 00:15:10,710 --> 00:15:13,109 capital region and the United States 61 00:15:13,119 --> 00:15:16,489 military district of Washington , Miss 62 00:15:16,500 --> 00:15:19,390 Karen Durham Aguilera , Executive 63 00:15:19,400 --> 00:15:22,010 Director Army National Military 64 00:15:22,020 --> 00:15:24,739 Cemeteries and the Office of Army 65 00:15:24,750 --> 00:15:28,280 Cemeteries . Mr John S Henzi , 66 00:15:28,809 --> 00:15:31,210 National President Fleet Reserve 67 00:15:31,219 --> 00:15:34,130 Association and the honorable Dennis 68 00:15:34,140 --> 00:15:37,820 mcdonough Secretary of Veterans Affairs , 69 00:16:02,460 --> 00:16:05,260 distinguished guest , the president of 70 00:16:05,270 --> 00:16:06,799 the United States , 71 00:16:30,700 --> 00:16:33,039 distinguished guests , please remain 72 00:16:33,049 --> 00:16:35,059 standing for the procession of our 73 00:16:35,070 --> 00:16:37,549 nation's colors and those of our 74 00:16:37,559 --> 00:16:40,840 veterans service organizations . As we 75 00:16:40,849 --> 00:16:43,380 march on the colors , the United States 76 00:16:43,390 --> 00:16:45,739 Marine Band will play the national 77 00:16:45,750 --> 00:16:48,109 emblem . March , please place your 78 00:16:48,119 --> 00:16:50,840 right hand over your heart or render a 79 00:16:50,849 --> 00:16:52,159 hand salute . 80 00:22:08,180 --> 00:22:10,640 Distinguished guests , please remain 81 00:22:10,650 --> 00:22:13,140 standing for the invocation given by 82 00:22:13,150 --> 00:22:15,900 chaplain Kimberly Willis , executive 83 00:22:15,910 --> 00:22:18,219 director of the chaplain service for 84 00:22:18,229 --> 00:22:20,050 the United States Department of 85 00:22:20,060 --> 00:22:22,469 Veterans Affairs and for the pledge of 86 00:22:22,479 --> 00:22:23,239 allegiance . 87 00:22:26,510 --> 00:22:30,469 Good morning . Please join me 88 00:22:30,479 --> 00:22:32,423 in a prayer commensurate with your 89 00:22:32,423 --> 00:22:34,930 faith tradition . Let us pray , 90 00:22:35,959 --> 00:22:38,489 sovereign architect of the universe . 91 00:22:39,349 --> 00:22:41,219 We summon your presence to this 92 00:22:41,229 --> 00:22:43,660 hallowed amphitheater where we 93 00:22:43,670 --> 00:22:46,869 congregate as one people in this 94 00:22:46,880 --> 00:22:49,359 sanctuary of remembrance . We lift our 95 00:22:49,369 --> 00:22:52,420 collective voice to exalt those who 96 00:22:52,430 --> 00:22:54,374 donned the uniform in our nation's 97 00:22:54,374 --> 00:22:57,530 defense . These stalwart guardians 98 00:22:57,540 --> 00:22:59,810 champions of Americans , America's 99 00:22:59,819 --> 00:23:03,170 loftiest ideas have stood as sentinel 100 00:23:03,180 --> 00:23:05,890 of human dignity , freedom spears , 101 00:23:05,900 --> 00:23:08,760 advocates and justices unwavering 102 00:23:08,770 --> 00:23:12,209 allies from twilight . Last gleaming to 103 00:23:12,219 --> 00:23:14,869 dawn's early light . They've maintained 104 00:23:14,880 --> 00:23:17,939 their vigil on terra firma across 105 00:23:17,949 --> 00:23:21,209 turbulent seas and skies , both serene 106 00:23:21,219 --> 00:23:23,680 and storm tossed and even unto the 107 00:23:23,689 --> 00:23:27,030 stars themselves . Their sacrifice has 108 00:23:27,040 --> 00:23:29,170 been the mortar binding the bricks of 109 00:23:29,180 --> 00:23:31,469 our shining city on the hill . A beacon 110 00:23:31,479 --> 00:23:34,060 of hope for all from the mightiest to 111 00:23:34,069 --> 00:23:37,079 the most humble you o divine weaver of 112 00:23:37,089 --> 00:23:39,790 destinies know intimately each thread 113 00:23:39,800 --> 00:23:42,310 in the tapestry of their lives , every 114 00:23:42,319 --> 00:23:45,630 name , every face , every silent born 115 00:23:45,640 --> 00:23:49,199 burden borne omniscient hiller . You 116 00:23:49,209 --> 00:23:51,098 perceive the wounds both seen and 117 00:23:51,099 --> 00:23:54,199 unseen , the scars etched upon body and 118 00:23:54,209 --> 00:23:56,989 soul . Your balm of comfort , envelopes 119 00:23:57,000 --> 00:23:58,944 those awaiting the return of those 120 00:23:58,944 --> 00:24:01,040 missing in action and those who have 121 00:24:01,050 --> 00:24:02,994 lost their beloved to the altar of 122 00:24:02,994 --> 00:24:05,439 liberty , your strength or bulwark 123 00:24:05,449 --> 00:24:07,579 against grief's relentless tide , 124 00:24:07,719 --> 00:24:10,400 benevolent . We beseech your blessings 125 00:24:10,410 --> 00:24:12,709 upon the Department of Veteran Affairs 126 00:24:12,790 --> 00:24:14,901 and Veteran service organizations who 127 00:24:14,901 --> 00:24:17,530 champion our veterans cause , extend 128 00:24:17,540 --> 00:24:19,262 your grace to the families and 129 00:24:19,262 --> 00:24:21,151 caregivers who walk alongside our 130 00:24:21,151 --> 00:24:23,430 heroes and guide the hands of those 131 00:24:23,439 --> 00:24:25,661 tasked with mending the wounds of war . 132 00:24:25,849 --> 00:24:28,000 Finally , we ask that you bless each 133 00:24:28,010 --> 00:24:30,569 person here today with his strength to 134 00:24:30,579 --> 00:24:33,030 carry forward the torch of democracy . 135 00:24:33,280 --> 00:24:36,160 May we be found worthy of the legacy 136 00:24:36,170 --> 00:24:38,699 our veterans have entrusted to us by 137 00:24:38,709 --> 00:24:40,949 tending to the garden of freedom with 138 00:24:40,959 --> 00:24:43,589 vigilance and care and may God continue 139 00:24:43,599 --> 00:24:45,989 to bless the United States of America , 140 00:24:46,310 --> 00:24:49,109 guiding us to realize our promise in 141 00:24:49,119 --> 00:24:51,189 your holy name . We pray . Amen . 142 00:24:54,420 --> 00:24:57,439 Now , I'd like to invite Mr John S 143 00:24:57,449 --> 00:25:00,420 Hanzi National President Fleet Reserve 144 00:25:00,430 --> 00:25:03,250 Association to lead us in the pledge of 145 00:25:03,260 --> 00:25:04,040 allegiance . 146 00:25:10,709 --> 00:25:13,530 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the 147 00:25:13,540 --> 00:25:15,959 United States of America and to the 148 00:25:15,969 --> 00:25:18,719 Republic for which it stands . One 149 00:25:18,729 --> 00:25:21,869 nation under God indivisible with 150 00:25:21,880 --> 00:25:24,050 liberty and justice for all 151 00:25:27,189 --> 00:25:28,530 Please be seated . 152 00:25:34,520 --> 00:25:37,439 It is now my distinct privilege to 153 00:25:37,449 --> 00:25:39,660 introduce you the members of the 154 00:25:39,670 --> 00:25:42,430 Veterans Day National Committee . The 155 00:25:42,439 --> 00:25:44,859 committee was formed by Presidential 156 00:25:44,869 --> 00:25:48,589 order in 1954 to plan 157 00:25:48,599 --> 00:25:51,459 this an annual observance in honor of 158 00:25:51,469 --> 00:25:53,819 America's veterans and to support 159 00:25:53,829 --> 00:25:56,719 veterans day observances throughout the 160 00:25:56,729 --> 00:25:59,900 nation . Please hold your applause 161 00:25:59,910 --> 00:26:02,260 until I have introduced each special 162 00:26:02,270 --> 00:26:05,089 guest . If you're able , please stand 163 00:26:05,099 --> 00:26:08,339 when your name is called retired 164 00:26:08,349 --> 00:26:11,290 command , Master Chief petty Officer , 165 00:26:11,300 --> 00:26:15,109 John S Hanzi , National President Fleet 166 00:26:15,119 --> 00:26:16,890 Reserve Association , 167 00:26:20,550 --> 00:26:24,540 retired Sergeant major Horace Johnson , 168 00:26:24,630 --> 00:26:27,540 national commander and vets , 169 00:26:30,640 --> 00:26:33,489 Mr Joseph Patterson , national 170 00:26:33,500 --> 00:26:36,400 Commander , Army and Navy Union , 171 00:26:36,410 --> 00:26:38,839 United States of America , 172 00:26:41,949 --> 00:26:45,550 retired United States Navy Force 173 00:26:45,560 --> 00:26:49,500 master chief Gary mcu , President na 174 00:26:49,719 --> 00:26:52,449 non commissioned Officers Association 175 00:26:52,469 --> 00:26:54,760 of the United States of America . 176 00:26:56,680 --> 00:27:00,060 Mr Gary B , Leach , National Vice 177 00:27:00,069 --> 00:27:02,420 Commander , the American Legion , 178 00:27:04,290 --> 00:27:07,810 Mr Robert Olives Junior , national 179 00:27:07,819 --> 00:27:10,170 Commander , Military Order of the 180 00:27:10,180 --> 00:27:13,969 Purple heart , Mr 181 00:27:13,979 --> 00:27:17,479 Timothy Morgan , National Commandant 182 00:27:17,489 --> 00:27:20,089 and Chief executive Officer , Marine 183 00:27:20,099 --> 00:27:21,040 Corps League , 184 00:27:23,319 --> 00:27:26,790 retired United States army major 185 00:27:26,800 --> 00:27:29,079 general , Father William D Reza , 186 00:27:29,829 --> 00:27:33,180 executive director , military Chaplains 187 00:27:33,189 --> 00:27:35,630 Association of the United States of 188 00:27:35,640 --> 00:27:36,369 America . 189 00:27:39,250 --> 00:27:42,829 Mr Robert Thomas National president and 190 00:27:42,839 --> 00:27:45,109 chairman of the board paralyzed 191 00:27:45,119 --> 00:27:46,709 veterans of America . 192 00:27:50,439 --> 00:27:53,660 Mr Michael Perry , national commander 193 00:27:53,670 --> 00:27:56,510 legion of valor of the United States of 194 00:27:56,520 --> 00:27:57,260 America , 195 00:27:59,699 --> 00:28:02,739 retired United States Air Force 196 00:28:02,750 --> 00:28:05,800 lieutenant Colonel David J Worley , 197 00:28:05,810 --> 00:28:08,880 commander in chief , military Order of 198 00:28:08,890 --> 00:28:10,349 the World Wars , 199 00:28:13,030 --> 00:28:16,770 retired United States Navy Chief Petty 200 00:28:16,780 --> 00:28:20,410 Officer , Deborah Sig , immediate past 201 00:28:20,420 --> 00:28:22,510 national president , Tria , the 202 00:28:22,520 --> 00:28:24,170 enlisted association , 203 00:28:27,770 --> 00:28:31,300 retired United States Army Colonel 204 00:28:31,310 --> 00:28:34,349 Paris Davis , medal of honor recipient , 205 00:28:34,359 --> 00:28:37,189 congressional medal of Honor Society of 206 00:28:37,199 --> 00:28:39,109 the United States of America . 207 00:28:42,530 --> 00:28:45,800 Mr Daniel Contreras National commander , 208 00:28:45,810 --> 00:28:48,270 disabled American veterans , 209 00:28:50,989 --> 00:28:53,989 retired United States Air Force , 210 00:28:54,000 --> 00:28:56,329 Lieutenant General Brian Kelly , 211 00:28:56,459 --> 00:28:59,209 president and Chief Executive Officer 212 00:28:59,219 --> 00:29:01,689 Military Officers Association of 213 00:29:01,699 --> 00:29:02,449 America 214 00:29:05,739 --> 00:29:08,750 Commander , Katherine Jakes , chair 215 00:29:08,760 --> 00:29:10,839 board of directors commissioned 216 00:29:10,849 --> 00:29:13,219 Officers Association of the United 217 00:29:13,229 --> 00:29:15,439 States Public Health Service . 218 00:29:19,349 --> 00:29:22,959 Mr Keith Reed , chief Executive Air 219 00:29:22,969 --> 00:29:25,050 Force Sergeants Association , 220 00:29:27,489 --> 00:29:30,750 Mr Michael Stetz , National Commander 221 00:29:30,760 --> 00:29:33,430 Polish Legion of American veterans of 222 00:29:33,439 --> 00:29:35,339 the United States of America , 223 00:29:37,670 --> 00:29:40,939 retired United States army sergeant , 224 00:29:40,949 --> 00:29:43,920 first class David Pickett . National 225 00:29:43,930 --> 00:29:46,060 President , Korean War Veterans 226 00:29:46,069 --> 00:29:48,430 Association of the United States of 227 00:29:48,439 --> 00:29:52,069 America . Mr David 228 00:29:52,079 --> 00:29:55,349 Rodriguez , senior National Commander 229 00:29:55,359 --> 00:29:58,550 American G I Forum of the United States . 230 00:30:00,420 --> 00:30:03,640 Mr Lawrence Wolf , National Commander 231 00:30:03,650 --> 00:30:05,469 Catholic war veterans , 232 00:30:08,550 --> 00:30:11,609 Mr Paul Mims , National President 233 00:30:11,619 --> 00:30:13,880 Blinded Veterans Association , 234 00:30:16,619 --> 00:30:19,910 retired United States Army command 235 00:30:19,920 --> 00:30:22,939 Sergeant major Gary Ginsburg , national 236 00:30:22,949 --> 00:30:25,300 Commander Jewish war veterans of the 237 00:30:25,310 --> 00:30:26,979 United States of America . 238 00:30:29,500 --> 00:30:32,569 Mr John mcmanus , National President , 239 00:30:32,630 --> 00:30:34,930 Vietnam , veterans of America . 240 00:30:37,550 --> 00:30:40,719 Mr Tim Peters , National Junior Vice 241 00:30:40,729 --> 00:30:42,770 Commander in Chief , Veterans of 242 00:30:42,780 --> 00:30:44,969 Foreign Wars of the United States . 243 00:30:48,119 --> 00:30:50,420 The associate and emeritus members of 244 00:30:50,430 --> 00:30:52,430 the committee are also here with us 245 00:30:52,430 --> 00:30:55,439 today . I'd like to ask the presidents 246 00:30:55,449 --> 00:30:57,930 and national commanders who comprise of 247 00:30:57,939 --> 00:31:00,219 our associate and emeritus membership 248 00:31:00,239 --> 00:31:02,479 to stand and be recognized . 249 00:31:02,630 --> 00:31:05,339 Distinguished guests . Please join me 250 00:31:05,349 --> 00:31:07,500 in recognizing our veterans national 251 00:31:07,510 --> 00:31:09,459 leadership with your applause . 252 00:31:26,589 --> 00:31:29,089 It is now my pleasure to introduce the 253 00:31:29,099 --> 00:31:31,369 executive director . Army National 254 00:31:31,380 --> 00:31:33,670 Military Cemeteries and the Office of 255 00:31:33,680 --> 00:31:36,170 Army Cemeteries , Miss Karen Durham 256 00:31:36,180 --> 00:31:37,010 Aguilera . 257 00:31:42,650 --> 00:31:44,761 Hey , good morning . What a beautiful 258 00:31:44,761 --> 00:31:47,140 day . But every day is a beautiful day 259 00:31:47,150 --> 00:31:49,261 here at Arlington National Cemetery . 260 00:31:49,560 --> 00:31:51,727 On behalf of the Secretary of the Army 261 00:31:51,727 --> 00:31:53,959 Honorable Warmer and the dedicated men 262 00:31:53,969 --> 00:31:56,619 and women who serve here . Welcome to 263 00:31:56,630 --> 00:31:58,739 Arlington National Cemetery . I 264 00:31:58,750 --> 00:32:00,760 especially extend a warm welcome to 265 00:32:00,770 --> 00:32:02,714 President Joe Biden . Thank you Mr 266 00:32:02,714 --> 00:32:05,170 President for being with us 267 00:32:11,430 --> 00:32:13,430 in honoring our nation's veterans . 268 00:32:13,430 --> 00:32:15,541 Welcome . Also to First Lady , Doctor 269 00:32:15,541 --> 00:32:17,719 Jill Biden , Vice President Harris and 270 00:32:17,729 --> 00:32:19,173 Second Gentleman Imhoff . 271 00:32:45,280 --> 00:32:47,336 I want to thank the host for today's 272 00:32:47,336 --> 00:32:49,558 observance Secretary of Veteran Affairs 273 00:32:49,558 --> 00:32:51,613 mcdonough and his key guests , Fleet 274 00:32:51,613 --> 00:32:53,336 Reserve Association , National 275 00:32:53,336 --> 00:32:55,391 President , Mr John Henick , welcome 276 00:32:55,530 --> 00:32:57,641 our Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin 277 00:32:57,819 --> 00:33:00,041 and our chairman of the Joint Chiefs of 278 00:33:00,041 --> 00:33:02,939 Staff General CQ Brown . Welcome . Also 279 00:33:02,949 --> 00:33:05,140 to visiting visiting dignitaries , 280 00:33:05,150 --> 00:33:07,040 cabinet secretaries service , 281 00:33:07,050 --> 00:33:09,869 secretaries service chiefs , our 282 00:33:09,880 --> 00:33:12,469 veterans and families , and everyone 283 00:33:12,479 --> 00:33:14,423 watching across our great nation . 284 00:33:14,520 --> 00:33:17,130 Thank you for being with us . The theme 285 00:33:17,140 --> 00:33:21,000 of Veterans Day 2024 is a legacy 286 00:33:21,010 --> 00:33:24,890 of loyalty and service for over 160 287 00:33:24,900 --> 00:33:27,479 years . Arlington National Cemetery's 288 00:33:27,489 --> 00:33:30,469 legacy has been to serve proudly and 289 00:33:30,479 --> 00:33:33,229 honorably as the final resting place 290 00:33:33,239 --> 00:33:36,880 for more than 420,000 service 291 00:33:36,890 --> 00:33:39,349 members and their families . I cannot 292 00:33:39,359 --> 00:33:42,030 think of a more fitting place than here 293 00:33:42,040 --> 00:33:44,670 at the very center of our nation's most 294 00:33:44,680 --> 00:33:47,550 hollow grounds to commemorate and honor 295 00:33:47,560 --> 00:33:49,910 America's past present and future 296 00:33:49,920 --> 00:33:52,890 service members . Our National Cemetery 297 00:33:52,900 --> 00:33:54,622 embodies our nation's enduring 298 00:33:54,622 --> 00:33:57,449 gratitude for our veterans . Each grave 299 00:33:57,459 --> 00:34:00,109 marker and monument tell a story of 300 00:34:00,119 --> 00:34:02,910 service , commitment and sacrifice . 301 00:34:03,160 --> 00:34:06,849 These 639 acres represent a solemn 302 00:34:06,859 --> 00:34:08,692 gathering place for families and 303 00:34:08,692 --> 00:34:10,790 friends to remember their service 304 00:34:10,800 --> 00:34:13,479 members celebrate their contributions 305 00:34:13,719 --> 00:34:16,090 and take comfort in their everlasting 306 00:34:16,100 --> 00:34:18,159 legacy that continues to uplift our 307 00:34:18,169 --> 00:34:21,129 country today . It is pointed that each 308 00:34:21,139 --> 00:34:23,472 person here today and across the nation , 309 00:34:23,709 --> 00:34:25,989 we can all recall the impact a service 310 00:34:26,000 --> 00:34:28,111 member has had in our lives , whether 311 00:34:28,111 --> 00:34:30,111 personally or through the steadfast 312 00:34:30,120 --> 00:34:32,010 protection of our nation . The 313 00:34:32,020 --> 00:34:34,131 courageous actions of those who serve 314 00:34:34,131 --> 00:34:36,340 have an enduring legacy , not just in 315 00:34:36,350 --> 00:34:38,628 the United States but across the world . 316 00:34:38,870 --> 00:34:40,814 And as you walk the grounds of our 317 00:34:40,814 --> 00:34:43,260 nation's most sacred shrine , remember 318 00:34:43,520 --> 00:34:46,189 no gravesite at Orton National Cemetery 319 00:34:46,199 --> 00:34:48,780 can ever be purchased . Each must be 320 00:34:48,790 --> 00:34:51,520 earned with audible service to those 321 00:34:51,530 --> 00:34:53,530 with family or friends laid to rest 322 00:34:53,530 --> 00:34:56,030 here . Please know we will always take 323 00:34:56,040 --> 00:34:58,207 care of your loved one . Remember them 324 00:34:58,209 --> 00:35:00,209 and recognize their service to this 325 00:35:00,209 --> 00:35:02,320 great nation . This commitment is the 326 00:35:02,320 --> 00:35:04,860 heartbeat of our mission . And each day 327 00:35:04,870 --> 00:35:07,899 it inspires everyone of our active duty , 328 00:35:07,909 --> 00:35:10,409 veteran and civilian employees to serve . 329 00:35:10,419 --> 00:35:12,959 Here is an honor and a privilege . I 330 00:35:12,969 --> 00:35:14,870 extend my gratitude to spouses , 331 00:35:14,879 --> 00:35:16,990 parents , family members and the gold 332 00:35:16,990 --> 00:35:18,935 star community for your unwavering 333 00:35:18,935 --> 00:35:21,080 devotion and commitment to your loved 334 00:35:21,090 --> 00:35:22,979 ones who have served or currently 335 00:35:22,979 --> 00:35:24,790 serving in any capacity . Your 336 00:35:24,800 --> 00:35:26,522 courageous support does not go 337 00:35:26,522 --> 00:35:28,860 unnoticed and for veterans . You are 338 00:35:28,870 --> 00:35:31,050 the backbone of our country . You have 339 00:35:31,060 --> 00:35:33,227 taken an oath to honor and protect our 340 00:35:33,227 --> 00:35:35,449 country . And in the words of President 341 00:35:35,449 --> 00:35:37,671 Eisenhower , your service preserves our 342 00:35:37,671 --> 00:35:39,860 heritage of freedom and our mission at 343 00:35:39,870 --> 00:35:42,092 Arlington National Cemetery is to honor 344 00:35:42,092 --> 00:35:44,600 you . Always , we see you and we 345 00:35:44,610 --> 00:35:46,610 celebrate your legacy , loyalty and 346 00:35:46,610 --> 00:35:49,560 service today and every day again , 347 00:35:49,570 --> 00:35:51,848 welcome to Arlington National Cemetery . 348 00:35:51,848 --> 00:35:52,848 Thank you . 349 00:36:01,830 --> 00:36:03,719 I would now like to introduce our 350 00:36:03,719 --> 00:36:06,330 veterans service organization host for 351 00:36:06,340 --> 00:36:09,850 2024 the Fleet Reserve Association . 352 00:36:10,600 --> 00:36:12,600 Today . On Veterans Day , the Fleet 353 00:36:12,600 --> 00:36:14,909 Reserve Association celebrates its 354 00:36:14,919 --> 00:36:17,550 100th anniversary as a congressionally 355 00:36:17,560 --> 00:36:21,389 chartered VSO Fr A is dedicated to 356 00:36:21,399 --> 00:36:23,949 representing the interests and needs of 357 00:36:23,959 --> 00:36:25,850 former and current members of the 358 00:36:25,860 --> 00:36:28,419 United States Navy Marine Corps and 359 00:36:28,429 --> 00:36:30,540 Coast Guard before congress and other 360 00:36:30,540 --> 00:36:34,439 government agencies . Fr A was born out 361 00:36:34,449 --> 00:36:36,393 of the need to protect the pay and 362 00:36:36,393 --> 00:36:38,570 benefits of sea service members and 363 00:36:38,580 --> 00:36:41,540 their families founded by Navy Chief , 364 00:36:41,550 --> 00:36:45,469 Yeoman George L . Carlin Fr A received 365 00:36:45,479 --> 00:36:47,146 its charter in Philadelphia , 366 00:36:47,146 --> 00:36:50,979 Pennsylvania in 1924 . In 367 00:36:50,989 --> 00:36:54,399 1998 fr A became the first 368 00:36:54,409 --> 00:36:56,919 organization to seek repeal of the 369 00:36:56,929 --> 00:36:59,469 Military Retirement Reform Act . 370 00:36:59,669 --> 00:37:03,149 Leading congress to change the law . Fr 371 00:37:03,159 --> 00:37:06,520 A joined other VS OS in campaigns such 372 00:37:06,530 --> 00:37:09,550 as authorizing pay hikes for mid career 373 00:37:09,560 --> 00:37:12,629 enlisted personnel , calling for payday 374 00:37:12,639 --> 00:37:16,389 lending reform , providing post 9 11 375 00:37:16,399 --> 00:37:19,280 G I bill benefits to career personnel 376 00:37:19,290 --> 00:37:22,280 and their families , implementing 377 00:37:22,290 --> 00:37:25,540 absentee voting reform , passing the 378 00:37:25,550 --> 00:37:28,280 Blue Water Navy . Vietnam Veterans Act 379 00:37:28,500 --> 00:37:31,199 and most recently , the passing of the 380 00:37:31,209 --> 00:37:34,800 Pact Act , FR A is a sponsor of the 381 00:37:34,810 --> 00:37:37,800 Navy sailors and recruiters of the year . 382 00:37:38,310 --> 00:37:40,479 The Marine Corps recruiters and drill 383 00:37:40,489 --> 00:37:42,870 instructors of the year and the Coast 384 00:37:42,879 --> 00:37:45,439 Guard enlisted persons and recruiters 385 00:37:45,449 --> 00:37:49,139 of the year annually . Fr A sponsors a 386 00:37:49,149 --> 00:37:52,219 patriotic themed essay contest for 387 00:37:52,229 --> 00:37:55,260 students in grades seven through 12 and 388 00:37:55,270 --> 00:37:58,360 awards higher education scholarships to 389 00:37:58,370 --> 00:38:01,000 see service me family members totaling 390 00:38:01,010 --> 00:38:04,610 more than $100,000 at the 391 00:38:04,620 --> 00:38:07,379 forefront of Fras engagement during the 392 00:38:07,389 --> 00:38:10,409 past year is Fras national president , 393 00:38:10,540 --> 00:38:14,469 Mr John S Hanzi , a Vietnam veteran , 394 00:38:14,479 --> 00:38:18,389 Mr Hanzi joined Fr A in 1968 395 00:38:18,949 --> 00:38:22,659 in September 2023 . He was elected to 396 00:38:22,669 --> 00:38:26,020 the position of FR A national president . 397 00:38:26,469 --> 00:38:28,699 Honored guests . Please welcome the 398 00:38:28,709 --> 00:38:30,989 president of the Reserve Association , 399 00:38:31,149 --> 00:38:33,000 Mr John S Hanzi . 400 00:38:49,739 --> 00:38:53,560 Good morning , everyone . Thank you for 401 00:38:53,570 --> 00:38:56,520 attending the 2024 Veterans Day service 402 00:38:56,530 --> 00:38:59,560 here at Arlington . We gather here in 403 00:38:59,570 --> 00:39:01,939 these hallow grounds to honor and give 404 00:39:01,949 --> 00:39:05,020 thanks to all our veterans for their 405 00:39:05,030 --> 00:39:07,989 service and sacrifice in protecting our 406 00:39:08,000 --> 00:39:11,959 great nation . Some of 407 00:39:11,969 --> 00:39:14,247 my thunder was stolen a little bit ago , 408 00:39:14,247 --> 00:39:16,358 but I'm going to say this anyway . In 409 00:39:16,358 --> 00:39:19,419 1954 under then President Dwight 410 00:39:19,429 --> 00:39:22,239 Eisenhower Armistice Day was 411 00:39:22,250 --> 00:39:25,239 transitioned to become Veterans Day to 412 00:39:25,250 --> 00:39:28,919 honor and include all veterans . 413 00:39:29,639 --> 00:39:31,790 I believe it was his intent . When he 414 00:39:31,800 --> 00:39:35,030 said to include all veterans , he also 415 00:39:35,040 --> 00:39:37,939 meant veterans who had made the 416 00:39:37,949 --> 00:39:41,899 ultimate sacrifice to 417 00:39:41,909 --> 00:39:45,760 my fellow veterans . I salute you 418 00:39:49,570 --> 00:39:51,679 and I thank you for your service and 419 00:39:51,689 --> 00:39:55,389 sacrifice . But there's 420 00:39:55,399 --> 00:39:58,500 another group out here today and across 421 00:39:58,510 --> 00:40:01,520 this great nation that also deserves 422 00:40:01,530 --> 00:40:05,340 recognition . It's our families and our 423 00:40:05,350 --> 00:40:08,939 loved ones who support and 424 00:40:08,949 --> 00:40:12,479 sacrifice us while we serve , 425 00:40:13,520 --> 00:40:15,879 we couldn't have done our jobs without 426 00:40:15,889 --> 00:40:19,340 their support . And to you , I also 427 00:40:19,350 --> 00:40:23,040 say from the bottom of my heart , thank 428 00:40:23,050 --> 00:40:24,050 you . 429 00:40:37,610 --> 00:40:40,520 Once again , I'm gonna repeat something , 430 00:40:40,530 --> 00:40:42,697 but I have to do this because I'm very 431 00:40:42,697 --> 00:40:46,560 proud of it . This is also a special 432 00:40:46,570 --> 00:40:48,792 day for the Fleet Reserve Association . 433 00:40:48,792 --> 00:40:51,810 As previously mentioned on this day in 434 00:40:51,820 --> 00:40:55,689 1924 Congress chartered us as a 435 00:40:55,699 --> 00:40:59,219 veteran service organization . We are 436 00:40:59,389 --> 00:41:02,600 100 years old to my fellow 437 00:41:02,610 --> 00:41:04,969 shipmates . Happy birthday . 438 00:41:15,870 --> 00:41:17,909 I mentioned to the VA secretary a 439 00:41:17,919 --> 00:41:19,863 moment ago before I got up here to 440 00:41:19,863 --> 00:41:22,919 speak . Never in my wildest dreams . 441 00:41:22,929 --> 00:41:25,020 Did I ever imagine becoming national 442 00:41:25,030 --> 00:41:26,697 president , let alone for the 443 00:41:26,697 --> 00:41:29,750 centennial or the honor and privilege 444 00:41:29,760 --> 00:41:33,350 to address all of you today ? But 445 00:41:33,360 --> 00:41:35,360 again , I want to say thank you for 446 00:41:35,360 --> 00:41:38,139 attending . God bless our troops , 447 00:41:39,620 --> 00:41:42,969 bring him home safe . God bless our 448 00:41:42,979 --> 00:41:46,229 families and their families and keep 449 00:41:46,239 --> 00:41:50,229 them safe and God 450 00:41:50,239 --> 00:41:53,360 bless America . Now , I am honored 451 00:41:54,229 --> 00:41:56,429 to introduce the host for today's 452 00:41:56,439 --> 00:41:59,040 ceremony and our chair for the Veterans 453 00:41:59,050 --> 00:42:01,439 Day National Committee and as Secretary 454 00:42:01,449 --> 00:42:03,770 of Veterans Affairs , Dennis mcdonough 455 00:42:04,610 --> 00:42:08,340 Mr Secretary . Thank you , Mr President . 456 00:42:09,679 --> 00:42:11,846 Thank you for seeing him tomorrow . UN 457 00:42:11,846 --> 00:42:13,901 CD . Yes , sir . Thank you so much , 458 00:42:15,790 --> 00:42:17,790 John . Thank you very much for that 459 00:42:17,790 --> 00:42:20,090 introduction for your leadership of the 460 00:42:20,100 --> 00:42:22,810 Fleet Reserve Association . And a 461 00:42:22,820 --> 00:42:24,598 special thanks to your team for 462 00:42:24,598 --> 00:42:26,764 partnering with VA and hosting today's 463 00:42:26,764 --> 00:42:29,870 ceremony . Mr President , 464 00:42:30,459 --> 00:42:33,290 Doctor Biden , madam , vice President , 465 00:42:33,300 --> 00:42:37,149 Mr Emhoff , ranking member Takano , 466 00:42:38,830 --> 00:42:40,941 teammates among the cabinet members . 467 00:42:41,770 --> 00:42:43,881 Most importantly , all the veterans , 468 00:42:44,540 --> 00:42:46,850 your family , caregivers and survivors . 469 00:42:47,149 --> 00:42:50,000 Good morning in all of America . There 470 00:42:50,010 --> 00:42:53,429 is no place more sacred than the ground 471 00:42:53,439 --> 00:42:56,320 we stand on today here in Arlington and 472 00:42:56,330 --> 00:42:58,889 across our country's national and state 473 00:42:58,899 --> 00:43:02,330 veteran cemeteries here lie an eternal 474 00:43:02,340 --> 00:43:05,540 rest . Presidents and privates , five 475 00:43:05,550 --> 00:43:08,060 star generals , medal of honor 476 00:43:08,070 --> 00:43:10,639 recipients and anonymous heroes known . 477 00:43:10,649 --> 00:43:13,429 But to God , there are veterans from 478 00:43:13,439 --> 00:43:15,772 every American war since the revolution , 479 00:43:16,260 --> 00:43:18,427 including veterans of the wars in Iraq 480 00:43:18,427 --> 00:43:20,704 and Afghanistan , buried in section 60 . 481 00:43:21,530 --> 00:43:25,340 Every new grave dug , every benediction 482 00:43:25,350 --> 00:43:28,379 murmured , every tear shed , every 483 00:43:28,389 --> 00:43:30,333 solemn commitment to this hallowed 484 00:43:30,333 --> 00:43:32,699 ground tells the story of our nation's 485 00:43:32,709 --> 00:43:36,610 history . Yet as I look around , I see 486 00:43:36,620 --> 00:43:40,179 something else too . I see friends 487 00:43:40,189 --> 00:43:43,110 loved ones , family , members of 488 00:43:43,120 --> 00:43:46,090 veterans , some sitting next to their 489 00:43:46,100 --> 00:43:49,159 veteran , holding hands , grateful for 490 00:43:49,169 --> 00:43:52,699 their presence , others here to mourn 491 00:43:52,709 --> 00:43:55,330 their lost loved one buried within 492 00:43:55,340 --> 00:43:57,284 these sacred hills overlooking our 493 00:43:57,284 --> 00:44:01,020 nation's capital . As John just 494 00:44:01,030 --> 00:44:02,974 said , military and veteran family 495 00:44:02,974 --> 00:44:05,739 members may not wear a uniform but 496 00:44:05,750 --> 00:44:07,570 their courage and sacrifice are 497 00:44:07,580 --> 00:44:11,159 profound and worthy of our 498 00:44:11,169 --> 00:44:14,929 admi admiration . Military families 499 00:44:14,939 --> 00:44:17,010 endure the hardships of long 500 00:44:17,020 --> 00:44:18,964 deployments and training exercises 501 00:44:18,964 --> 00:44:21,187 without their loved ones , they pick up 502 00:44:21,187 --> 00:44:23,409 their lives and move across the country 503 00:44:23,780 --> 00:44:25,724 even across the globe . When their 504 00:44:25,724 --> 00:44:27,891 service member gets a new assignment , 505 00:44:27,959 --> 00:44:30,181 they selflessly care for the injured or 506 00:44:30,181 --> 00:44:32,126 ill service member or veteran when 507 00:44:32,126 --> 00:44:34,348 they're unable to care for themselves . 508 00:44:35,100 --> 00:44:38,310 So , we're here today to honor them as 509 00:44:38,320 --> 00:44:41,070 well . I'm thinking of veteran family 510 00:44:41,080 --> 00:44:45,070 members like Angela Bell . Angela's son , 511 00:44:45,080 --> 00:44:48,350 Sean served 20 years in the army , died 512 00:44:48,360 --> 00:44:52,050 by suicide in 2021 . Angela 513 00:44:52,060 --> 00:44:53,893 Angela has dedicated her life to 514 00:44:53,893 --> 00:44:56,510 helping other families avoid that same 515 00:44:56,520 --> 00:45:00,209 devastation . I'm thinking of Cindy and 516 00:45:00,219 --> 00:45:03,310 Lee Stover who've cared for their son , 517 00:45:03,739 --> 00:45:06,929 Joe , a navy veteran since he was 518 00:45:06,939 --> 00:45:09,050 partially paralyzed after a traumatic 519 00:45:09,050 --> 00:45:12,620 brain injury . Cindy and Lee show 520 00:45:13,000 --> 00:45:15,949 that veteran caregivers are heroes too . 521 00:45:17,229 --> 00:45:19,340 I'm thinking of Danny Ingram , marine 522 00:45:19,340 --> 00:45:22,010 veteran husband to a fellow marine 523 00:45:22,260 --> 00:45:25,290 staff sergeant , Eric Olva , the first 524 00:45:25,300 --> 00:45:27,489 marine ser seriously injured in the 525 00:45:27,500 --> 00:45:30,510 Iraq war . Danny fights for all 526 00:45:30,520 --> 00:45:32,742 veterans and family members saying that 527 00:45:32,742 --> 00:45:35,570 like so many mi military spouses , I do 528 00:45:35,580 --> 00:45:37,747 what I can to be supportive of someone 529 00:45:37,747 --> 00:45:41,120 who's not only my love but also my hero . 530 00:45:42,610 --> 00:45:45,709 I'm thinking of Ellen Gustafson , wife 531 00:45:45,719 --> 00:45:49,280 of an active duty Navy seal . Ellen 532 00:45:49,290 --> 00:45:51,401 brings together veterans and military 533 00:45:51,401 --> 00:45:53,401 family members to volunteer as poll 534 00:45:53,401 --> 00:45:55,600 workers , strengthening our nation and 535 00:45:55,610 --> 00:45:58,760 its democracy through public service . 536 00:45:59,540 --> 00:46:02,199 I'm thinking of Jeremy Hilton , navy 537 00:46:02,209 --> 00:46:04,760 veteran and navy veteran and air force 538 00:46:04,770 --> 00:46:08,110 spouse . Jeremy has found a new mission 539 00:46:08,899 --> 00:46:11,679 advocating for military Children with 540 00:46:11,689 --> 00:46:15,010 special needs . And I'm thinking of 541 00:46:15,020 --> 00:46:16,964 family members like V . A's Deputy 542 00:46:16,964 --> 00:46:20,729 Secretary Tanya Bradshaw , army combat 543 00:46:20,760 --> 00:46:24,439 vet spouse , daughter , 544 00:46:25,090 --> 00:46:28,899 granddaughter of combat veterans , an 545 00:46:28,909 --> 00:46:31,020 example of the shared family value of 546 00:46:31,020 --> 00:46:33,820 service that is so often passed down 547 00:46:34,060 --> 00:46:37,600 from one generation to another . Of 548 00:46:37,610 --> 00:46:40,969 course , we have another strong 549 00:46:40,979 --> 00:46:43,090 military family in attendance today . 550 00:46:43,689 --> 00:46:47,229 The surviving mother and father of 551 00:46:47,239 --> 00:46:49,860 Iraq combat vet major Boba . 552 00:46:51,530 --> 00:46:53,830 President Biden and Dr Biden have been 553 00:46:53,840 --> 00:46:57,429 unrelenting in their advocacy 554 00:46:57,719 --> 00:46:59,899 for veterans and their families . 555 00:47:00,939 --> 00:47:03,100 President Biden has spent his entire 556 00:47:03,110 --> 00:47:06,139 career fighting like hell for veterans 557 00:47:06,560 --> 00:47:09,239 just as he charged me and my va team 558 00:47:09,250 --> 00:47:12,610 mates to do four years ago . He has 559 00:47:12,620 --> 00:47:14,889 continuously demanded that va deliver 560 00:47:14,899 --> 00:47:18,129 more care and more benefits to more 561 00:47:18,139 --> 00:47:21,250 vets than ever before . Mr President . 562 00:47:22,209 --> 00:47:24,780 Thank you for your nonsense . 563 00:47:25,139 --> 00:47:27,199 Frequently personally delivered in 564 00:47:27,209 --> 00:47:31,199 unmistakable fashion demand that va 565 00:47:31,209 --> 00:47:34,169 take care of vets . Thank you for 566 00:47:34,179 --> 00:47:36,959 reminding us that we still have so much 567 00:47:36,969 --> 00:47:40,510 work to do and thank you for always , 568 00:47:41,300 --> 00:47:45,060 always keeping the faith with 569 00:47:45,070 --> 00:47:49,050 that . It is my great privilege and my 570 00:47:49,060 --> 00:47:52,639 profound honor to introduce the 46th 571 00:47:52,649 --> 00:47:54,538 president of the United States of 572 00:47:54,538 --> 00:47:57,969 America , Joe Biden . What you do ? 573 00:48:11,810 --> 00:48:12,810 Thank you . 574 00:48:17,830 --> 00:48:19,830 Thank you . Thank you . Thank you . 575 00:48:23,270 --> 00:48:25,979 It's a great honor . You're standing 576 00:48:25,989 --> 00:48:29,989 here again over 100 and 60 years ago . 577 00:48:31,229 --> 00:48:33,750 I mean , what would become his final 578 00:48:33,760 --> 00:48:36,550 days in office ? President Abraham 579 00:48:36,560 --> 00:48:39,679 Lincoln addressed this nation and he 580 00:48:39,689 --> 00:48:42,620 said , let us strive 581 00:48:43,209 --> 00:48:46,429 on to finish the work we're in to bind 582 00:48:46,439 --> 00:48:49,949 up the nation's wounds to care for him 583 00:48:50,280 --> 00:48:54,199 who shall have borne the battle . My 584 00:48:54,209 --> 00:48:57,090 fellow Americans , first Lady , Vice 585 00:48:57,100 --> 00:48:59,211 President Harris and second gentleman 586 00:49:00,010 --> 00:49:02,929 Secretary Lincoln Austin mcdonough , 587 00:49:04,020 --> 00:49:07,159 my orcas chairman Brown , most 588 00:49:07,169 --> 00:49:10,000 importantly are veterans service 589 00:49:10,010 --> 00:49:12,870 members and their families . I've said 590 00:49:12,879 --> 00:49:16,639 it many times before I got in trouble 591 00:49:16,649 --> 00:49:18,705 for saying I was a young senator . I 592 00:49:18,705 --> 00:49:20,871 said we have many obligations but only 593 00:49:20,871 --> 00:49:24,100 one truly sacred obligation sacred 594 00:49:24,889 --> 00:49:28,350 to prepare those we send in harm's way 595 00:49:29,260 --> 00:49:31,840 and to care for them and their families 596 00:49:32,370 --> 00:49:35,100 when they return home . And when they 597 00:49:35,110 --> 00:49:38,959 don't , it's an obligation not 598 00:49:38,969 --> 00:49:42,010 based on party or politics , but on a 599 00:49:42,020 --> 00:49:44,439 promise that unites us all 600 00:49:45,370 --> 00:49:48,510 today as we strive on to 601 00:49:49,100 --> 00:49:52,010 finish the work of our moment to bind 602 00:49:52,020 --> 00:49:54,419 the nation's wounds . Once again , we 603 00:49:54,429 --> 00:49:58,129 commit recommit to the sacred vow . 604 00:49:59,830 --> 00:50:02,159 This is the last time I will stand here 605 00:50:02,169 --> 00:50:04,225 at Arlington as commander in chief . 606 00:50:04,959 --> 00:50:07,181 It's been the greatest honor of my life 607 00:50:08,360 --> 00:50:11,580 to lead you to serve you , to care for 608 00:50:11,590 --> 00:50:14,500 you to defend you just as you defended 609 00:50:14,510 --> 00:50:17,560 us . Generation after generation after 610 00:50:17,570 --> 00:50:21,189 generation , you are the greatest 611 00:50:21,199 --> 00:50:22,921 fighting force and this is not 612 00:50:22,921 --> 00:50:25,032 hyperbole , the finest fighting force 613 00:50:25,032 --> 00:50:28,540 in the history of the world . I'll 614 00:50:28,550 --> 00:50:31,439 never forget Standard Valley . Forge 615 00:50:32,000 --> 00:50:34,111 our nation's first soldiers laid down 616 00:50:34,111 --> 00:50:37,600 their lives to deliver a nation where 617 00:50:37,610 --> 00:50:40,580 everyone is entitled to an alienable 618 00:50:40,590 --> 00:50:44,219 rights , life , liberty , 619 00:50:44,729 --> 00:50:47,580 pursuit of happiness . I'll never 620 00:50:47,590 --> 00:50:49,820 forget , walk in the hills of 621 00:50:49,830 --> 00:50:52,820 Gettysburg where thousands more shed 622 00:50:52,830 --> 00:50:56,189 their blood to make those words real 623 00:50:57,570 --> 00:51:00,959 never forget , Bellow woods 624 00:51:01,379 --> 00:51:04,010 visiting there to pay tribute to the 625 00:51:04,020 --> 00:51:07,790 heroes . We stepped on that beach 626 00:51:09,360 --> 00:51:11,510 or standing in the cliffs of Normandy 627 00:51:12,760 --> 00:51:14,860 80 years after d day to honor the 628 00:51:14,870 --> 00:51:17,129 service members and veterans who 629 00:51:17,139 --> 00:51:21,090 literally saved the world with absolute 630 00:51:21,100 --> 00:51:23,620 heroism just standing there . You 631 00:51:23,629 --> 00:51:27,040 wonder how in God's name they have the 632 00:51:27,050 --> 00:51:29,810 courage to do what they did . I'll 633 00:51:29,820 --> 00:51:32,479 never forget there any basis in their 634 00:51:32,489 --> 00:51:35,300 career where America's sons and 635 00:51:35,310 --> 00:51:38,889 daughters answers the call to 636 00:51:38,899 --> 00:51:40,955 defend the people they had never met 637 00:51:42,689 --> 00:51:46,179 for paying my respects in Hanoi . For 638 00:51:46,189 --> 00:51:48,459 so many of our troops defended 639 00:51:48,469 --> 00:51:51,159 democracy , including my friend and 640 00:51:51,169 --> 00:51:53,336 once worked for me , John Senator John 641 00:51:53,336 --> 00:51:56,989 mccain , never forget my trips to 642 00:51:57,000 --> 00:52:00,439 Afghanistan and Iraq or tour after 643 00:52:00,449 --> 00:52:03,239 tour , young men and women served and 644 00:52:03,250 --> 00:52:05,306 sacrificed to keep our nation safe . 645 00:52:06,639 --> 00:52:09,580 Four presidents face a decision 646 00:52:10,439 --> 00:52:12,939 after we had gotten Bin Laden , whether 647 00:52:12,949 --> 00:52:15,060 to end our longest war in history in 648 00:52:15,070 --> 00:52:18,500 Afghanistan , I was determined not to 649 00:52:18,510 --> 00:52:22,209 leave it to the fifth every day . I 650 00:52:22,219 --> 00:52:25,310 still carry a card with me . I schedule 651 00:52:25,320 --> 00:52:27,669 every single day for the last 10 years 652 00:52:28,959 --> 00:52:31,969 on the back of my schedule . It says us 653 00:52:31,979 --> 00:52:35,030 daily troops in Afghanistan , us troops 654 00:52:35,040 --> 00:52:36,929 died in Afghanistan as of today . 655 00:52:36,929 --> 00:52:40,810 2465 troops 656 00:52:40,820 --> 00:52:42,153 rooted in Afghanistan , 657 00:52:42,600 --> 00:52:45,300 20,769 658 00:52:46,469 --> 00:52:49,850 US troops . Iraq died in Iraq , 659 00:52:49,860 --> 00:52:53,300 4620 wounded in 660 00:52:53,310 --> 00:52:56,850 Iraq . 32,766 661 00:53:00,010 --> 00:53:03,550 ladies and gentlemen , this is my duty 662 00:53:03,560 --> 00:53:07,010 as president , but also as a parent , 663 00:53:11,209 --> 00:53:15,060 like many of you , our son , Bo Wyden 664 00:53:15,070 --> 00:53:16,959 deployed Iraq for a year with the 665 00:53:16,959 --> 00:53:19,889 Delaware National Guard . I still 666 00:53:19,899 --> 00:53:22,121 remember the day he asked me to pin his 667 00:53:22,121 --> 00:53:25,320 bars on him . He stood ramrod straight . 668 00:53:26,360 --> 00:53:29,399 How proud Jill and I our entire family 669 00:53:29,409 --> 00:53:32,510 felt like so many of you . 670 00:53:33,830 --> 00:53:35,941 We also remember how hard it was when 671 00:53:35,941 --> 00:53:38,739 he was deployed , empty seats at the 672 00:53:38,750 --> 00:53:41,199 dinner table , missed holidays and 673 00:53:41,209 --> 00:53:43,379 birthdays , prayers of hope and worry 674 00:53:43,639 --> 00:53:45,917 repeated every morning and every night . 675 00:53:46,899 --> 00:53:48,732 Just so we ask everything of our 676 00:53:48,732 --> 00:53:50,843 veterans . We ask everything of their 677 00:53:50,843 --> 00:53:54,300 families , English poet , John Milton 678 00:53:54,310 --> 00:53:58,209 wrote and I quote , they also serve who 679 00:53:58,219 --> 00:54:00,939 only stand and wait as so many of you 680 00:54:00,949 --> 00:54:04,659 have . So for all the military families , 681 00:54:05,449 --> 00:54:07,449 to all those with a loved one still 682 00:54:07,449 --> 00:54:09,469 missing or unaccounted for to all 683 00:54:09,479 --> 00:54:12,199 Americans grieving the loss of a loved 684 00:54:12,209 --> 00:54:15,649 one who wore the uniform , Jill . And I 685 00:54:15,780 --> 00:54:18,169 want you to know , we see you . We 686 00:54:18,179 --> 00:54:21,159 thank you and we'll never stop working 687 00:54:21,169 --> 00:54:23,225 to meet our sacred obligation to you 688 00:54:23,830 --> 00:54:27,800 and your families . Jill and I Doug and 689 00:54:27,810 --> 00:54:29,977 Kamala entire administration are proud 690 00:54:29,977 --> 00:54:32,169 of our work for the past four years . 691 00:54:32,850 --> 00:54:34,628 Together . We pass more than 30 692 00:54:34,628 --> 00:54:36,909 bipartisan laws to support our veterans 693 00:54:37,169 --> 00:54:39,459 and their families , caregivers and 694 00:54:39,469 --> 00:54:42,129 survivors . We brought veterans , 695 00:54:42,139 --> 00:54:44,139 homelessness down to a record low , 696 00:54:44,719 --> 00:54:46,497 delivered more benefits to more 697 00:54:46,497 --> 00:54:48,709 veterans than any ever before . In va 698 00:54:48,719 --> 00:54:51,550 history . We've invested re record 699 00:54:51,560 --> 00:54:54,370 resources to reduce the scourge of 700 00:54:54,379 --> 00:54:57,590 veteran vice to suicide . We took 701 00:54:57,600 --> 00:54:59,711 action to protect veterans from scams 702 00:55:00,459 --> 00:55:02,626 because no veteran should be defrauded 703 00:55:02,626 --> 00:55:05,550 by those defended . They defended all 704 00:55:05,560 --> 00:55:08,169 these actions are vital and I'm 705 00:55:08,179 --> 00:55:11,149 particularly proud I finally passed the 706 00:55:11,159 --> 00:55:11,909 pack that 707 00:55:20,709 --> 00:55:22,931 this is the most significant law in our 708 00:55:22,931 --> 00:55:24,931 history . Our nation's history tell 709 00:55:24,939 --> 00:55:27,050 millions of veterans who were exposed 710 00:55:27,050 --> 00:55:29,370 to toxins like Asian orange and burn 711 00:55:29,379 --> 00:55:33,020 pits during their military service pits 712 00:55:33,320 --> 00:55:35,840 the size of football fields that 713 00:55:35,850 --> 00:55:39,129 incinerated the waste of war tires , 714 00:55:39,139 --> 00:55:41,306 chemicals , batteries , jet fuel , and 715 00:55:41,306 --> 00:55:44,729 so much more pits that left too many 716 00:55:44,739 --> 00:55:46,795 veterans with headaches , numbness , 717 00:55:46,795 --> 00:55:50,610 dizziness , asthma and cancer . The 718 00:55:50,620 --> 00:55:52,564 Pact Act has already helped over 1 719 00:55:52,564 --> 00:55:54,787 million veterans and their families get 720 00:55:54,787 --> 00:55:56,750 the benefits they deserve , they 721 00:55:56,760 --> 00:55:58,250 deserve those benefits . 722 00:56:04,209 --> 00:56:06,376 Today , I'm proud to announce that the 723 00:56:06,376 --> 00:56:10,120 VA will expand the number of cancers 724 00:56:10,659 --> 00:56:13,560 covered under the Pact Act and to all 725 00:56:13,570 --> 00:56:17,489 veterans who served at 726 00:56:17,500 --> 00:56:21,320 K two airbase in Uzbekistan councilor 727 00:56:21,330 --> 00:56:23,879 surrounded by toxins . We want to honor 728 00:56:23,889 --> 00:56:25,945 you . We want to have your back just 729 00:56:25,945 --> 00:56:28,111 like we did in A and R just like we're 730 00:56:28,111 --> 00:56:30,167 going to rule to make sure you don't 731 00:56:30,167 --> 00:56:32,056 have to prove you're illness as a 732 00:56:32,056 --> 00:56:34,222 consequence of your service , which is 733 00:56:34,222 --> 00:56:35,500 often too hard to do . 734 00:56:42,000 --> 00:56:44,056 God willing . We will make sure that 735 00:56:44,056 --> 00:56:46,222 any rare condition you've developed is 736 00:56:46,222 --> 00:56:48,278 covered . We're committed to getting 737 00:56:48,278 --> 00:56:50,620 this rule in place by the end of my 738 00:56:50,629 --> 00:56:54,239 term folks . This matters 739 00:56:55,070 --> 00:56:57,181 too many every nation's veterans have 740 00:56:57,181 --> 00:56:59,969 served only to return home to suffer 741 00:57:00,280 --> 00:57:02,280 from permanent effects of poisonous 742 00:57:02,280 --> 00:57:05,199 chemicals . Too many have died . Like 743 00:57:05,209 --> 00:57:07,265 our son , Beau and ser like sergeant 744 00:57:07,265 --> 00:57:10,000 first class Heath Robinson from the 745 00:57:10,010 --> 00:57:12,830 Pack Decker's name a couple of years 746 00:57:12,840 --> 00:57:15,300 ago after I signed the PAC Act , I 747 00:57:15,310 --> 00:57:18,870 handed the pen to his daughter . 748 00:57:20,050 --> 00:57:23,060 Really ? She and her mom are with us 749 00:57:23,070 --> 00:57:25,379 today . I don't know where you are but 750 00:57:25,389 --> 00:57:27,445 God love you There they are stand up 751 00:57:27,445 --> 00:57:28,445 ladies , 752 00:57:39,969 --> 00:57:41,969 give me a word . I mean this , I'll 753 00:57:41,969 --> 00:57:44,550 never forget after I handed the signing 754 00:57:44,560 --> 00:57:48,090 pen , that beautiful young lady who 755 00:57:48,100 --> 00:57:51,530 lost her whole world , she held the pen 756 00:57:51,540 --> 00:57:53,989 in her hand and she looked at me and 757 00:57:54,000 --> 00:57:57,129 she said , thank you . Thank you for my 758 00:57:57,139 --> 00:58:00,330 daddy . God love you , honey , sorry 759 00:58:00,340 --> 00:58:01,340 lady . 760 00:58:05,169 --> 00:58:07,580 But I don't think she was just thanking 761 00:58:07,590 --> 00:58:10,209 me . She was thanking all of you here . 762 00:58:10,290 --> 00:58:13,050 All of us , everyone who fought hard 763 00:58:13,060 --> 00:58:15,171 and came together to keep our promise 764 00:58:15,171 --> 00:58:18,800 to our veterans to keep the faith my 765 00:58:18,810 --> 00:58:22,179 fellow Americans . We stand here today . 766 00:58:23,280 --> 00:58:25,439 We think about all that our veterans 767 00:58:25,449 --> 00:58:28,139 have given to our nation serving and 768 00:58:28,149 --> 00:58:30,879 sacrificing in uniform just as they 769 00:58:30,889 --> 00:58:33,870 serve and sacrifice here at home , as 770 00:58:33,879 --> 00:58:36,860 educators , firefighters , law 771 00:58:36,870 --> 00:58:39,092 enforcement officers , and construction 772 00:58:39,092 --> 00:58:41,037 workers , entrepreneurs , business 773 00:58:41,037 --> 00:58:42,870 leaders , doctors , nurses , and 774 00:58:42,870 --> 00:58:44,926 elected leaders , and so much more . 775 00:58:45,860 --> 00:58:48,610 And just as routinely , they routinely 776 00:58:48,620 --> 00:58:50,842 put aside differences , work together . 777 00:58:51,010 --> 00:58:53,610 This is the moment , this is the moment 778 00:58:53,620 --> 00:58:56,399 to come together as a nation to keep 779 00:58:56,409 --> 00:58:59,040 faith in each other . The world is 780 00:58:59,050 --> 00:59:01,328 dependent on each of you and all of us , 781 00:59:01,360 --> 00:59:04,530 all of you to keep honoring the women 782 00:59:04,540 --> 00:59:06,860 and the men and the families who have 783 00:59:06,870 --> 00:59:09,649 borne the battle to keep protecting 784 00:59:09,659 --> 00:59:12,439 everything they fought for , keep 785 00:59:12,449 --> 00:59:15,510 striving to heal our nation's wounds , 786 00:59:16,280 --> 00:59:19,530 to keep perfecting our union . We're 787 00:59:19,540 --> 00:59:22,060 the only nation in the world building 788 00:59:22,070 --> 00:59:25,239 an idea . Every other nation is based 789 00:59:25,250 --> 00:59:28,120 on things like geography , ethnicity , 790 00:59:28,250 --> 00:59:31,159 religion , but we're the only nation , 791 00:59:31,389 --> 00:59:34,360 the only in the world built on an idea . 792 00:59:35,729 --> 00:59:37,785 And that idea is we're all created , 793 00:59:37,785 --> 00:59:39,879 equal deserved to created equal 794 00:59:39,889 --> 00:59:42,649 throughout our lives . We haven't lived 795 00:59:42,659 --> 00:59:44,770 up to it every time , but we've never 796 00:59:44,770 --> 00:59:47,840 walked away from it even when it's hard , 797 00:59:48,320 --> 00:59:51,929 especially when it's hard . And today 798 00:59:52,100 --> 00:59:53,933 standing together to honor those 799 00:59:53,933 --> 00:59:56,156 Americans who have dared all risked all 800 00:59:56,156 --> 00:59:58,211 and given all to our nation . I must 801 00:59:58,211 --> 01:00:01,229 say clearly , we never will give up . 802 01:00:02,389 --> 01:00:04,760 God bless our veterans and their 803 01:00:04,770 --> 01:00:08,659 families and may God protect our troops 804 01:00:08,830 --> 01:00:12,469 today and always God love you . 805 01:00:12,479 --> 01:00:13,739 Thank you so much . 806 01:00:47,260 --> 01:00:49,840 Distinguished guests . Please stand and 807 01:00:49,850 --> 01:00:52,399 join the United States Marine Band and 808 01:00:52,409 --> 01:00:55,600 navy sea chanters in singing God bless 809 01:00:55,610 --> 01:00:58,479 America and remain standing as we 810 01:00:58,489 --> 01:01:01,050 retire the colors , place your right 811 01:01:01,060 --> 01:01:03,899 hand over your heart or render a hand 812 01:01:03,909 --> 01:01:04,610 salute . 813 01:01:18,060 --> 01:01:19,060 Stand 814 01:01:22,120 --> 01:01:23,860 for the night . Yeah , 815 01:01:25,820 --> 01:01:27,070 from the mountain 816 01:01:31,580 --> 01:01:32,320 migrant 817 01:01:57,239 --> 01:02:00,530 and stand beside and by 818 01:02:02,090 --> 01:02:06,060 night with the light from to phone them 819 01:02:06,070 --> 01:02:06,520 out , 820 01:02:48,780 --> 01:02:50,620 retire the colors . 821 01:07:18,850 --> 01:07:22,080 This concludes the 2024 National 822 01:07:22,090 --> 01:07:24,709 Veterans Day observance . Please be 823 01:07:24,719 --> 01:07:26,679 seated for the departure of the 824 01:07:26,689 --> 01:07:29,040 president of the United States and the 825 01:07:29,050 --> 01:07:32,300 official party . Thank you for joining 826 01:07:32,310 --> 01:07:36,159 us today to celebrate and honor all who 827 01:07:36,169 --> 01:07:36,919 served .