It was 60 years ago this month when our nation observed its first Veterans Day. In his proclamation declaring 11 November Veterans Day, President Eisenhower called upon all citizens to, "solemnly remember the sacrifices of all who fought so valiantly, n the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom." Over the six decades since then, America's First Team has continued to fight on foreign shores -- in Vietnam, Kuwait, Iraq and, even now, in Afghanistan.
However, President Eisenhower also said that we must, 'reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peacfe so that their efforts shall not have been in vain." It is this task -- promoting the peace -- which the First Team is currently engaged in around the world. From the Sinai to the Korean Peninsula, and multiple nations in Easter Europe, the Troopers of the 1st Cavalry Division are committed to the cause of lasting peace, while at the same time staying trained and prepared to deploy to war.
This Veterans Day, as we pay tribute to all of those who have worn the uniform in service to our great nation, I ask you to keep all of those Soldiers currently on foreign shores -- and their Families -- in your thoughts and prayers. If you are looking for a way to better reach out to a veteran; may I suggest that you visit a veteran's hospital, or maybe read a history book about a previous conflict or simply seek out a veteran for conversation about their own experiences and service.
This is the message of Veterans Day. Connect to veterans. Reach out to those who answered the calling of the profession of arms to defend the liberties we all hold dear. This enduring connection between our Troopers and civilians is what makes our nation great.
Every year, more than 130,000 Soldiers transition from the Army to civilian life, with more than one million Soldiers returning to civilian life over the next 10 years. They will join the ranks of more than 23 million other veterans who have stepped up to serve when their nation called. Each new veteran is a new ambassador to our civilian communities, an opportunity to bring the military and civilian worlds one step closer together.
I would ask our veterans to continue to set the standard -- as leaders in their community, mentors to transitioning Troopers, and role=models to the next generation of those who will wear the uniform.
First Team! Live the Legend! Army Strong!
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