Monthly Archives: November 2011

Words from the Garrison Commander Lieutenant Colonel Terry Clark
Used With Permisson from the Fort Greely Interceptor

Veterans Day is a day to remember those who have served and who are still serving. We remember those brave men and women who have made hallow the ground at such places as Lexington, The Alamo, Veracruz, Gettysburg, San Juan Hill, Manila, the Marne, Normandy, Chosin Reservoir, Khe Sanh, 72 Eastings, Tora Bora, Fallujah and the Helmand Province to name just a few.

On this day, I would ask that we pause to remember those who are part of our history and to consider those who are currently serving to protect our future. Over the last 10 years our all-volunteer Military has proven its worth in one of the most important conflicts this nation has ever faced.

Throughout this time, leaders at every level have displayed unparalleled ingenuity, flexibility and adaptability. Additionally, our Soldiers have displayed the mental and physical toughness, courage under fire and humanity that are truly the hallmarks which define the American fighting man.

Together, with the support of DOD civilians, contractors and the American public, we have transformed ourselves into the most versatile, agile, deployable and sustainable strategic force the world has ever known… yet, this was not achieved without a price.

For more than two centuries, the success and security of our Republic has depended on the willingness of its finest men and women to step forward and to serve… On Veterans Day, we should turn our thoughts toward the 1.1 million men and women we have in uniform today, arguably the next greatest generation, and to those millions more who have gone before… all giving some and some giving all.

As a Nation, we owe much to our veterans. In honor of this fact, I would encourage all Americans to go beyond personal remembrance and words of thanks (as important as these are). In fact, I would ask that each and every one of us act in order to make a positive difference, whether small or large, in the life of a veteran or the loved ones they left behind.

Ms. Moina Michael was one such American who did just that. In 1918, as World War One came to a close, Ms Michael recognized a need, developed a vision, and took action. Drawing inspiration from Canadian poet LTC John McCrae’s immortal poem “In Flanders Fields”, Ms Michael began distributing artificial red poppies in support of veterans. Now, more than 80 years and millions of dollars later, the red poppy remains a symbol of remembrance and care for the welfare of veterans and the well-being of their families.

On this Veterans Day, I would like to extend to you my personal thanks for your service to the Nation and to challenge us all with the words once spoken by President Kennedy when he remarked, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

Thank you, and may God continue to keep and to bless the United States of America