Veterans Day Speech

On this day that marked the end of World War I, we close the 50-year commemoration of the end of World War II. Together on this day we offer a prayer for peace and a tribute to those who defend it.

There are many honors and responsibilities that come with this job. But none are more humbling than serving as your Commander-in-Chief. And I’m proud to be with so many of you here today.

To the members of our armed forces and the veterans who are here today: I am deeply honored and humbled to spend Veterans Day with you in this sacred place where generations of heroes have come to rest --- and generations of Americans have come to show their gratitude.

Just a few moments ago, on the President's behalf, I presented a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Standing watch today, as always, are the Tomb guards of the Third U.S. Infantry Regiment. The careful rituals of the Old Guard have made it one of the legendary units of the United States Army.

On this day, in this month, at this hour, our nation remembers the moment when the guns of World War I went silent -- and we recognize the service and the sacrifice of our nation's veterans. From Valley Forge to Vietnam, from Kuwait to Kandahar, from Berlin to Baghdad, our veterans have borne the costs of America's wars -- and they have stood watch over America's peace. The American people are grateful to the veterans and all who have fought for our freedom.

PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you for that warm welcome. Laura and I are honored to be here today. Mr. Secretary, thank you for your kind introduction, and thank you for your strong leadership in making sure [...]

It is fitting that we gather at Arlington National Cemetery, for it is the final resting place of thousands of our veterans. Near us are President John F. Kennedy, General John J. Pershing and General Marshall, Major Audie Murphy, and Chief Justice William Rehnquist.

We observe Veterans Day on an anniversary -- not of a great battle or of the beginning of a war, but of a day when war ended and our nation was again at peace. Ever since the Armistice of November the 11th,1918 , this has been a day to remember our debt to all who have worn the uniform of the United States.

We gather this morning to show our gratitude to the veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Here and across the nation, Americans are marking this day with expressions of respect for all who have warn the uniform of our country.

Since the founding of our country, some 48 million men and women have served in the United States military. Roughly half of them are alive today. And among our 25 million living veterans are more than two thousand who were on active duty on the eleventh day of the eleventh month in the year 1918. Every veteran has contributed to this nation and to the advance of human freedom. Every veteran has earned this nation's permanent gratitude.

General Jackson, Superintendent Metzler, Chaplain Cook. I think we ought to give a special applause to Lee Thornton for being with us all these years and all the work she's done. Thank you so much. What a faithful friend to America's veterans you have been.

The leaders of our veterans' organizations, members of Congress here; Deputy Secretary Gober and members of the Cabinet; General Ross and members of the Joint Chiefs; General Davis and other Medal of Honor recipients. To the former POWs, the families of those still missing in action; to our veterans and their families