11 November 2010
Veterans Day 2010
Tomorrow, you have a moment to pause and reflect. As one who has answered your Nation's call to duty - I ask you to answer another call. I ask you to reach out and thank a Veteran near you whose service is recorded in the history of past conflicts which have defined our Nation's history. It is the least we can do to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
As you know, our Nation owes a great debt to its Veterans, whose service spans every decade, and continues every day of our country's existence. Through untold courage and sacrifice, America's Veterans have secured the liberty which the founding fathers sought to establish here in America. But their numbers, especially those from World War II, are declining. Of the original 14 million Americans who served in World War II, only 2 million remain. Of those, we lose 900 of these great Americans each day.
You're probably aware that we celebrate Veterans Day on the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. That armistice began on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Today, only one World War I American Veteran remains - Frank Buckles, aged 109. In the years since Frank Buckles fought and President Wilson made the 11th of November a National day of remembrance, the scope of our observance has changed. This day has evolved from one set aside to remember the dead from one war, to a day in which American Veterans from all wars and those who served in times of peace, are honored.
On this, the 81st anniversary of the first Veterans Day, as for the past nine years, our Nation is at war. We as an ESC stand prepared to answer the call - whenever, wherever we are asked. I appreciate the hard work and dedication that you - the Veterans of the next generation - demonstrate on a day-to-day basis. Your efforts fill me with pride and confidence that together we can achieve any mission, anywhere in support of this great Army and Nation.
Sustainers Always...Sustaining the Line!
Robin B. Akin
BG, USA
Commanding
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