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thedrifter
11-09-02, 08:48 AM
DEFENSE DEPARTMENT SALUTES VETERANS

The Department of Defense will observe Veterans Day at
bases, deployed locations, and ships at sea as part of its
worldwide observances.

In Philadelphia, Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul
Wolfowitz: http://www.defenselink.mil/bios/depsecdef_bio.html
will speak at a dedication ceremony marking the National Park
Service's acquisition of Washington Square on Monday.
Washington Square, located across from Independence Hall, is the
largest burial site of Continental soldiers from Washington's
Army and is thought of as a symbolic birthplace of the nation's
military.

"There are currently more than 25 million living
American veterans, many of whom put their lives on the line to
preserve our freedoms," said President George W. Bush:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/president/gwbbio.html
in his Veterans Day proclamation:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/11/20021106-4.html.
"Our proud veterans have also helped to shape the American
character. They have given us an extraordinary legacy of
patriotism and honor, and their service represents the highest
form of citizenship."

"Throughout a century of conflict and change, the
courage and commitment of America's military men and women have
never faltered," said Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld:
http://www.defenselink.mil/bios/secdef_bio.html
in his Veterans Day message:
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Nov2002/n11082002_200211084.html.
"Through every skirmish and battle, in every war in every era,
they have remained dedicated to the strength and survival of our
nation."

In his Veterans Day message:
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Nov2002/n11052002_200211051.html,
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Richard B. Myers:
http://www.dtic.mil/jcs/
noted that those serving in uniform today could look to the
example set by veterans of wars past.

"Today we find ourselves in the midst of a
non-traditional war against a very elusive enemy," Myers said.
"Like those before us, we serve in demanding conditions, and our
mission - like theirs - requires courage, vision and
selflessness."

Veterans Day: http://www.va.gov/vetsday/ evolved from
Armistice Day, which was primarily set aside to honor veterans
of the First World War. In 1954, Congress enacted legislation
replacing the word "Armistice" with "Veterans" as a way to honor
all veterans.


Sempers,

Roger