Salute to Veterans

Lieutenant General Jack C. Stultz
Chief, Army Reserve
Commander, US Army Reserve Command

Veterans Day is not just another holiday, not for Army Reserve Soldiers and their Families. It is an opportunity for us and our Families to take a moment and honor all Veterans -- Army Reserve, Active Component, and National Guard -- those who served in either world wars, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom.

Veterans Day was originally called "Armistice Day," in commemoration of the defeated Germans who signed the Armistice ending World War I. That "War to End All Wars" ended at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918. Armistice Day was later renamed "Veterans Day" to honor those who have served in all of America's wars. The term 'veteran' applies to all who that have honorably served their country or that have served in a war zone.

For many who grew up in the aftermath of World War II, the veterans of that war will be forever remembered as the "Greatest Generation." It is their legacy that inspired many citizens to serve our county in the wars that followed. It is from their shadows that have emerged this century's "Next Greatest Generation." And that generation continues to answer the Call to Duty in Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Iraq, the Horn of Africa and here in the homeland, to name a few.

More than 162,000 Army Reserve Soldiers have been deployed since September 11, 2001. They serve right alongside their Active Component counterparts in this "Long War." Additionally, our Soldiers and their Families continue to meet today's operational challenges, while our institution undergoes the greatest transformation since World War II.

I urge each of you to think about the debt we, and our nation, owe those veterans who preceded us, those who earned the freedoms we enjoy today. Ever mindful of our heritage, we will maintain the trust of our countrymen. This I know, because I have been privileged to lead, observe and serve with the members of today's greatest generation.

Take time today to thank those veterans of previous wars as well as your fellow Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen now who protect our way of life. Take time to thank your own Families and employers for their support. God Bless the United States of America, and God Bless all Veterans, past and present, who earned, and continue to protect our freedom.