Veterans Day Message

In 1834, the American patriot, Daniel Webster, told the
United States Senate: "God grants liberty
only to those who love it, and are always ready to guard
and defend it."

Fortunately for America, for more than 200 years our nation
always has been blessed with patriots
who believed as Webster did, and who have proudly stepped
forward -- ready to fight and, if
necessary, to die to ensure that liberty is defended.

We have a name for these patriots -- we call them veterans.
And, in their honor, America has set
aside a special day each year – a day to recognize their
courage and their commitment to our
country, and to tell them once again of our deep
appreciation for their dedicated service.

Through every conflict, in every era, they have battled
tyrannies of every kind. While the names
of those tyrannies have changed – from fascism to Nazism to
communism -- the nature of dangers
they posed to peace and freedom have all been serious.

Today freedom is again threatened -- this time by a new
tyranny, the tyranny of extremism – of
terrorism. And, again, patriots have stepped forward. They
are there -- in Afghanistan, in Iraq,
and wherever our liberty is at risk -- guarding freedom,
and bringing hope to millions who once
lived in fear.

To those on guard today, and to the veterans of every war
on whose shoulders they stand -- the
living, the departed, and the missing -- you have our
deepest gratitude for your service and your
sacrifice.

May God bless you all. And may God continue to bless the
United States of America.

Donald H. Rumsfeld
Secretary of Defense