Veterans Day 2021

The guns of the War to End All Wars fell silent on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. That day and time was momentous as it marked the end of combat operations of World War I. The 11th of November 1919 was chosen as “Armistice Day,” the precursor to today’s Veterans Day to honor the service and sacrifice of the veterans of the “Great War.” Armistice Day evolved over the years and became a national holiday in 1938 and following World War II and the Korean War, Congress, at the urging of veterans organizations, amended the holiday to Veterans Day to honor American veterans of all wars.

America’s veterans today and yesterday

The decades long War on Terrorism came to a close just a few weeks ago as American service men and women evacuated Afghanistan as Taliban terrorists moved to control the country. Twenty years of gallant service, sacrifice, blood, sweat, and tears were overshadowed by images of desperate Afghans clinging to the fuselage of an American C-17 aircraft struggling to take off or the devastating carnage of a suicide bomber killing 13 Americans as they stood protecting hundreds of Afghans desperately trying to flee their country. But those pictures tell a deceiving tale; one that should be accepted only as a fragment of the story of freedom, hope, and opportunity American service men and women provided the people of Afghanistan.

The story of American military service in Afghanistan is no different than our nation’s military mission in past conflicts; to protect and defend America from foreign aggression and oppression and, when called upon, fight and win our nation’s wars. The decision to employ America’s military might is not made by military leaders, but by those elected to public office. Politicians make the decisions that send America’s sons and daughters to war.

America’s One Percent

In America today, where less than one percent of adult men and women volunteer to serve our nation in uniform, our political representatives must learn and understand the threats arrayed against us from foreign powers, the technologies available to us capable of defeating them, and stand firm in appropriating the resources needed to acquire them.

I urge every member of congress and cabinet secretary to commit to spending time at a Basic Combat Training Battalion as new recruits learn to exceed their limits physically and mentally and grow into the pride of America. Sit with commanders at the National Training Center to better understand what they must deal with when weather, physical demands, and logistics undermine the best laid operational planning. Meet with our military intelligence, research and development, and logistics specialists to fully understand the weapons systems our enemies have in the field and our ability to defeat them.

Take the time to understand the best weapon systems in the world amount to naught if our military men and women are not provided the requisite number, training, and logistics support to ensure success in combat operations. When our nation learns of the Chinese Communist Party’s hypersonic, nuclear-capable weapon systems in the press and the intelligence community is “surprised,” that is not reassuring.

Veterans’ Unwavering Commitment

We expect a lot from today’s “One Percent.” Today’s veterans are chiseled from the same material as veterans of days past. Our history is replete with examples of our friends, family, and neighbors leaving home and loved ones to defend America. From the Revolutionary War to the War on Terrorism, from the War to End All Wars to World War II, and from the Vietnam to Korea, our nation expects a lot from those wearing her uniform and they have never disappointed.

This Veterans Day take a moment to consider the life we, as American’s enjoy and, dare I write, take for granted. Even with America’s shortcomings in this, a great experiment in democracy, our nation serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity found nowhere else. With the Chinese Communist Party threatening in Asia, with Iran threatening the Middle East, and with Russia threatening in Eastern Europe, now is not the time to deprive our military of the tools necessary to deter our adversaries. Budgetary, technology, and personnel resources must reflect the reality of the threats standing before our nation. Funds for “tree equity,” CRT education, and social justice programs must not jeopardize funds for America’s defense needs.

The humility of service

Today’s veterans once wore our nation’s uniforms. Veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Operation Urgent Fury, Operation Just Cause, Desert Storm, and the War on Terrorism are our friends, family, and neighbors. You may not know of their courage; they are a humble group. Whether they served during times of peace or conflict, whether draftee or volunteer, veterans answered the needs of our nation.

Confidently they served and quietly they returned to the security they afforded all of us. They returned secure in the knowledge that America is a land of wonder, a land worth protecting. Veterans know service in uniform is no place for racism, for success in the Profession of Arms relies on teamwork. Veterans know that humor can bring together the most disparate backgrounds when surmounting daunting challenges. Veterans know that, truly, it is not the color of your skin, but the content of your character that builds teams, trust, confidence, and success in military operations. Across America and around the globe, America’s veterans embody all that is good about the promise of our nation. They are some of America’s greatest advocates and optimists.

Veterans yesterday, today, and tomorrow

This year, as the wedge of division is driven into the fabric of America, let’s remember that our veterans made America great. Our veterans invested their lives in the American dream, and our veterans, if asked today, would come to her defense. This Veterans Day, appreciate the quiet heroes among us willing to bear the burden of America’s defense. Proudly fly Old Glory today.

Often folks express to a veteran, “Thank you, for your service.” What I hope you hear in reply is, “Thank you, for your support.” Tomorrow’s veterans, those in uniform today, can’t succeed without your support. You are the heart of their success. Yes, you, America, are the source of their devotion. Happy Veterans Day!