[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
[November 11, 2006]
[Pages 2074-2076]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks at a Veterans Day Ceremony in Arlington, Virginia
November 11, 2006

    Thank you. Thanks for coming. Secretary Nicholson, thank you for your kind words and for your leadership. 
Members of the Cabinet; Members of Congress; members of the United State 
military; all veterans; all volunteers who have sworn to uphold the 
security of the United States: I thank your families for being here, and 
I thank our veterans. I am proud to join you on this day of honor.
    On this day, in this month, at this hour, our Nation remembers the 
moment when the guns of World War I went silent, and we recognize the 
service and the sacrifice of our Nation's veterans. From Valley Forge to 
Vietnam, from Kuwait to Kandahar, from Berlin to Baghdad, our veterans 
have borne the costs of America's wars, and they have stood watch over 
America's peace. The American people are

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grateful to the veterans and all who have fought for our freedom.
    Since the Presidency of Abraham Lincoln, the National Cemetery has 
reminded our citizens of the cost of liberty. The simple white markers 
testify to honor fulfilled and duty served. Most of these markers stand 
over graves of Americans who came home to enjoy the peace they earned. 
Too many stand over the graves of those who gave their lives to protect 
that peace. This day is dedicated to all who answered the call to 
service, whether they live in honor among us or sleep in valor beneath 
this sacred ground.
    On this Veterans Day, we give thanks for the 24 million Americans 
who strengthen our Nation with their example of service and sacrifice. 
Our veterans are drawn from many generations and from many backgrounds. 
Some charged across great battlefields. Some fought on the high seas. 
Some patrolled the open skies. And all contributed to the character and 
to the greatness of America.
    On this Veterans Day, we honor a new generation of men and women who 
are defending our freedom. Since September the 11th, 2001, our Armed 
Forces have engaged the enemy, the terrorists, on many fronts. At this 
moment, more than 1.4 million Americans are on active duty, serving in 
the cause of freedom and peace around the world. They are our Nation's 
finest citizens. They confront grave danger to defend the safety of the 
American people. They've brought down tyrants; they've liberated two 
nations; they have helped bring freedom to more than 50 million people. 
Through their sacrifice, they're making this Nation safer and more 
secure, and they are earning the proud title of veteran.
    On this Veterans Day, we're humbled by the strong hearts of those 
who have served. Last week, Secretary Nicholson told me about a visit he made to New York City, where 
he met a group of veterans who lost limbs in this war. Secretary 
Nicholson asked them how they could keep their spirits up. One man 
answered,``Sir, it is because we feel the American people are so 
appreciative of our service.'' Many of our veterans bear the scars of 
their service to our country, and we are a nation that will keep its 
commitments to those who have risked their lives for our freedom. That 
young man was right; we do appreciate the service of those who wear our 
uniform.
    To help Americans show our appreciation to those who have served, 
Secretary Nicholson has asked all our 
Nation's veterans to wear their medals today. I urge our citizens to go 
up to those men and women and shake a hand and give a hug and give a 
word of thanks. I ask you to consider volunteering at a veterans 
hospital or a nursing home. I encourage you to work with your local 
veterans group to help support our troops in the field and their 
families here at home.
    As we raise our flag and as the bugle sounds ``Taps,'' we remember 
that the men and women of America's Armed Forces serve a great cause. 
They follow in a great tradition, handed down to them by America's 
veterans. And in public ceremonies and in private prayer, we give thanks 
for the freedom we enjoy because of their willingness to serve.
    I thank you for honoring those who serve today and for honoring 
those who have set such a sterling example, our Nation's veterans. May 
God bless our veterans, may God bless all who wear the uniform, and may 
God continue to bless the United State of America.

Note: The President spoke at 11:39 a.m. in the Amphitheater at Arlington 
National Cemetery.

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