YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea -- There has been much controversy about this year's G20 Summit, Nov. 11-12, bringing government leaders from around the world for talks on the world economy in the wake of the financial crisis of 2008.
The G20 Summit is attended by the heads of 19 states, as well as the European Union: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Republic of South Africa, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States of America and the EU.
But there is more significance in the fact that Nov. 11 is also Veteran's Day. To honor the men and women in uniform, our Commander-in-Chief, President Barack Obama took time to meet with servicemembers who have left family and friends behind to serve overseas, in observance of Veterans Day while at United States Army Garrison Yongsan.
"I am so proud that we have U.S. and Republic of Korea War Veterans with us today. It is a great honor to have you present," began Obama in a speech to a crowded room of servicemembers.
"As President of the United States I have no greater privilege than serving as Commander-in-Chief of the finest military that the world has ever offered. On this Veteran's Day, there's no greater place that I rather be, than right here with U.S Forces Korea," Obama said.
One great battle and 116,516 lives lost; Total deaths in battle 53,402. Out of American fighters, the oldest and only known survivor is 109-year-old Frank Buckles, born Feb. 1, 1901.
Every year we remember and we honor our Veterans - from WWI, WWII, the Korean War and Operations Iraqi Freedom, and other conflicts who lost their lives and for those still serving to procure freedom by fighting the war on terrorism.
"This nation recognizes the sacrifices that families make as well and we thank you for your sacrifice," said Obama. "On this day, we honor every man or woman that has worn the uniform of the United States of America. We salute all our heroes and we keep in prayer, those that are still in harm's way. We recall acts of common bravery and selflessness, but we also remember that honoring those who serve is about more than the words we say on Veterans Day or Memorial. It's about how we treat our Veterans every day of the year. It's about making sure they have the care they need and get the benefits they've earned when they come home. It's about serving all of you, as well as you serve the United States of America. So I want all of you to know that when you come home, your country is going to be there for you. That is the commitment I make to you as Commander-in-Chief. That is a sacred trust between the United States of America and all who defend it's ideas. "
"It is truly an honor to host President Obama at Yongsan Garrison," said Yongsan Garrison Commander Col. Bill Huber. "Despite the G20, one of the largest meetings of its kind, it meant a lot to our Servicemembers that the President made it a point to salute them as their Commander-in-Chief. This will definitely be a Veterans Day to remember for so many of us here."
In honor of our lost brothers and sisters in arms, we salute you and thank you - Happy Veterans Day!
Social Sharing