    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 46 (Monday, November 20, 2006)]
    [Pages 2045-2046]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    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 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.

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    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.