Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West released the following Veterans Day message to the Fleet Nov. 9.
Veterans, Shipmates and Navy Families,
On Veterans Day we pay tribute to all who have served and sacrificed in defense of our nation. Veterans Day was first celebrated in 1919 as ‘Armistice Day’ as a way to remember the sacrifices that men and women made during World War I. In 1954, it evolved into ‘Veterans Day’ in order to honor all American veterans from all wars.
Since our country’s beginning, there have been men and women willing to fight to guarantee the freedoms that we hold so dear. It is that attitude of ‘service before self’ and ‘the choice to serve’ that we honor and celebrate. From the American Revolutionary War to our current Overseas Contingency Operations, our veterans have honorably served and sacrificed throughout the world when our nation called.
Our veterans represent the best of America coming from every background and every walk of life. They represent the rich tapestry of our nation and many have paid the ultimate sacrifice. It is with eternal gratitude that we take the time this day and everyday to honor the memory of our fallen while bringing alongside and thanking those heroes still among us.
Each day I’m grateful for the efforts and sacrifices you make in support of our great Navy and our nation; whether deployed at sea, on the ground or here at home where all of our loved ones enjoy the liberties your sacrifices preserve. These efforts and the challenges you are willing to face ensure we continue to enjoy the freedoms we have been afforded by the veterans who went before us.
Thank you veterans and thank you to the service members in uniform today, many in harm’s way, for your continued service to our great nation.
Happy Veterans Day and HOOYAH!
Very Respectfully, MCPON
[mappress] Source: navy, November 11, 2011