President Thanks Veterans for Service to Country

American Forces Press Service ^ | Melinda L. Larson

[SandRat]

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2007 – President Bush thanked America’s veterans and wished the Marine Corps a happy 232nd birthday during his weekly radio address today.

“Young Marines are serving on the front lines in the war on terror in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world,” Bush said from his ranch near Crawford, Texas. “As the Marines celebrate their birthday, we join them in recognizing what their sacrifice and service has meant for our freedom.”

Veterans Day is observed the day after the Marine Corps birthday, and the president not only thanked Marines, but all veterans.

“America owes a debt of gratitude to all those who have served in our armed forces,” the nation’s commander in chief said. “On Veterans Day, we remember those who have served in previous wars, those who are serving today, and those who did not live to become veterans.”

Bush added that the United States is responsible for taking care of those who have served their country.

“Under my administration, federal spending for our veterans has increased by more than two-thirds. We have extended medical treatment to a million additional veterans, including hundreds of thousands returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, and we have expanded grants to help homeless veterans across the country.”

Bush reminded Americans to thank veterans across the nation who, while from diverse backgrounds, are united by their mission to keep America free.

“On this Veterans Day, I urge every American to take time to thank one of our nation's 24 million veterans. They come from different generations and different backgrounds, but they are united by a commitment to honor, duty and love of country that has kept America free. They continue to strengthen and inspire our nation, and we will never forget what we owe them.”

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Transcript

[freema]

Ping.

[TNCMAXQ]

I wonder if the president is headed back to DC for the Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington tomorrow. I had thought about making the trip in hopes of seeing him in person but could not make it. I went 2 years ago when VP Cheney spoke and it is a great event.

Next year Vets Day is a week after election day. I hope we are not in a funk over the result of that.

[ought-six]

A Veteran: Whether active duty, retired, National Guard or Reserve - is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to The United States of America for an amount of “up to and including my life.” That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.

[SandRat]

Similar words were said today by MG Custer at our Veteran’s Day Ceremony following the parade.

[Marine_Uncle]

"...That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it."
I second that statement.

[lakey]

...too many people in this country who no longer understand it."

Gives them headaches.

[Churchillspirit]

Very disappointed that the President was not at Arlington today.

God bless all veterans - here in the US and in my home country - the UK.