BARSTOW, Calif.- As retired Gen. Gordon Sullivan, the 32nd chief of staff of the Army, surveyed the patriotic mix of Soldiers, Marines, sailors, veterans, young and old, Family members and members of the community at the Mountain View Memorial Park in Barstow, Calif. on Veterans Day, he said he saw the strength of the nation.
"If you wonder what the strength of the United States of America is, you need to take a look the audience right here, and the people I have seen: veterans, Family members, children and people who support the military, active, Guard and Reserve; United States Army, United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps and the Coast Guard," Sullivan proclaimed.
The event brought together Soldiers from Fort Irwin and the National Training Center and Marines and sailors from Marine Corps Logistic Base Barstow along with about 100 veterans from the Barstow community along with Barstow city officials including Barstow Mayor Joe Gomez to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, those serving in the Armed Forces and those who have served.
"Let me quote something John F. Kennedy said when he was the President," Sullivan said. "He said, 'A nation reveals itself not only by the people it produces, but also by the people it honors.'"
The crowd gathered at the Mountain View Memorial Park clearly reveals the strength of the nation, he said.
"I tell you folks the strength of the nation is seen right here, and if you wonder what America looks like take a look around at this group," Gen. Sullivan said. "I am happy to be with you, proud of those who have served and proud of those who took the time to come out here and remember those who served."
As Fort Irwin/National Training Center Commanding General Brig. Gen. Robert "Abe" Abrams spoke after Sullivan, whom he called "one of the greatest Soldiers in the history of our nation," Abrams thanked all of those attending the event.
"I'm with General Sullivan, it's inspiring," Abrams said. "All of those we are honoring today have borne that burden and experienced the fatigue of waging war in order to bring about peace. To all of you thank you."
That fatigue was in reference to a quote by Thomas Payne, who said, "Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must undergo the fatigue of supporting it."
Brig. Gen. Abrams thanked all veterans for "setting the example that inspired me and my peers to raise our hands for voluntary service to this great nation."
"Veterans Day serves an important purpose," he said. "It is not just a day when we remember those who gave their lives in war, but for all those who have worn the uniform of service. This day, above all, is a day to celebrate that choice."
Everyone cannot forget that today service to the nation means multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan on active-duty for many, he said.
"Reserves and Guardsmen sacrifice twice when they give up their civilian jobs in order to serve their country," he explained.
Veterans Day is a day to give thanks for living in a country where citizens from every generation are willing to serve their nation, he said.
"To all those who are not in the military, again I'm with General Sullivan," Abrams said. "Thank you for choosing to share this special day with us and show your support for our troops, America's heroes, past and present."
After the last speaker spoke about the meaning of Veterans Day, Gen. Sullivan and Barstow Mayor Joe Gomez helped Mrs. Annette Griego, a Gold Star mother, place the first wreath at the base of the veterans memorial remembering her son, who was killed in Iraq in 2007.
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