VETERANS DAY
Date Signed: 11/6/2019 | ALMARS Number: 027/19
ALMARS : 027/19

R 062030Z NOV 19
ALMAR 027/19
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC DMCS//
SUBJ/VETERANS DAY//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  In an 1863 letter, President Abraham Lincoln eloquently summed up our responsibility to our many veterans:  “Honor to the Soldier, and Sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country's cause.  Honor also to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field, and serves, as he best can, the same cause – honor to him, only less than to him, who braves, for the common good, the storms of heaven and the storms of battle.”  The sentiment behind our 16th President’s words continues to resonate today as we pause to honor all of the men and women who have served in our Nation’s military.
2.  The tradition of Veterans Day dates back to Armistice Day of World War I – a day of remembrance instituted when the world was still recovering from the devastating loss of life during the Great War.  Today, we honor more than 18 million veterans who have worn the uniform of the cloth of our Nation throughout our history.  These veterans sacrificed family holidays, children’s birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and even their own lives to defend freedom.  Those who returned home carried with them the physical and mental scars of war.
3.  This Veterans Day, it is incumbent upon all of us to recognize those who have worn the uniform before; to honor their commitment to our Nation with heartfelt gratitude; and to encourage others to do the same.  On behalf of all Marines serving today, I extend our deepest gratitude to all veterans.  Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
4.  Semper Fidelis, David H. Berger, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps.//