WEBVTT 00:01.402 --> 00:02.603 - [Reporter] The Armed Forces Honor Guard 00:02.603 --> 00:04.904 and United States Army Band are formed and waiting 00:04.904 --> 00:07.698 as the Vice President moves to the Tomb of the Unknown 00:07.698 --> 00:09.365 to place the wreath. 01:14.725 --> 01:18.808 (The Star Spangled Banner plays) 02:21.876 --> 02:26.043 The wreath is being placed by Vice President Pence. 04:52.927 --> 04:57.094 The Vice President is observing a moment of silence. 05:55.044 --> 05:56.689 The wreath ceremony is complete. 05:56.689 --> 05:59.061 The Veteran's Day program will begin in 10 minutes. 05:59.061 --> 06:01.196 Please move to your seats. 06:01.196 --> 06:04.113 (orchestral music) 06:24.839 --> 06:29.006 ♫ Oh beautiful for spacious skies 06:31.211 --> 06:34.794 ♫ For amber waves of grain 06:38.185 --> 06:42.018 ♫ For purple mountain majesty 06:44.757 --> 06:48.257 ♫ Above the fruited plain 06:52.057 --> 06:54.974 ♫ America, America 06:59.291 --> 07:03.041 ♫ God shed his grace on thee 07:05.779 --> 07:09.946 ♫ And crown thy good with brotherhood 07:12.705 --> 07:16.205 ♫ From sea to shining sea 07:20.081 --> 07:24.248 ♫ Oh beautiful for patriot's dream 07:27.515 --> 07:31.265 ♫ That sees beyond the years 07:34.221 --> 07:38.138 ♫ Thine alabaster cities gleam 07:41.146 --> 07:44.646 ♫ Undimmed by human tears 07:48.061 --> 07:50.978 ♫ America, America 07:55.391 --> 07:59.141 ♫ God shed his grace on thee 08:02.129 --> 08:06.296 ♫ And crowned thy good with brotherhood 08:08.797 --> 08:12.297 ♫ From sea to shining sea 08:16.350 --> 08:20.517 ♫ And crowned thy good with brotherhood 08:26.698 --> 08:30.198 ♫ From sea to shining sea 08:46.924 --> 08:49.174 (applause) 08:56.536 --> 08:58.130 - [Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen, 08:58.130 --> 09:00.829 please welcome Major General Michael L. Howard, 09:00.829 --> 09:03.496 military district of Washington. 09:04.916 --> 09:07.166 (applause) 09:14.959 --> 09:17.415 Miss Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director 09:17.415 --> 09:20.112 Army National Military Cemeteries. 09:20.112 --> 09:22.362 (applause) 09:26.894 --> 09:29.987 Mr. Thomas Stevens, Korean War Veterans Association, 09:29.987 --> 09:32.070 United States of America. 09:32.143 --> 09:34.393 (applause) 09:40.687 --> 09:42.517 and the Honorable David J. Shulkin, 09:42.517 --> 09:44.971 Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 09:44.971 --> 09:47.221 (applause) 10:00.908 --> 10:03.991 (orchestral fanfare) 10:10.890 --> 10:12.563 Ladies and Gentlemen, the Vice President 10:12.563 --> 10:14.313 of the United States. 10:16.106 --> 10:20.106 (Orchestra plays Hail Columbia) 10:52.634 --> 10:55.105 - Ladies and gentlemen, please remain standing 10:55.105 --> 10:57.616 for the procession of our nation's colors 10:57.616 --> 11:01.616 and those of our Veterans service organizations. 11:05.868 --> 11:06.900 As we march on the colors, 11:06.900 --> 11:09.166 the United States Air Force band will play 11:09.166 --> 11:11.204 the National Emblem March. 11:11.204 --> 11:12.729 Please put your hand over your heart 11:12.729 --> 11:14.729 or render a hand salute. 11:18.682 --> 11:22.849 (Orchestra plays National Emblem March) 15:26.551 --> 15:29.351 Please remain standing for the prayer for all veterans, 15:29.351 --> 15:32.449 delivered by chaplain Michael McCoy, Sr., 15:32.449 --> 15:36.616 director, Chaplain's Service National Chaplain Center. 15:40.613 --> 15:41.780 - Let us pray. 15:44.896 --> 15:47.896 Eternal God of nations and veterans, 15:48.778 --> 15:51.695 you are so awesome in so many ways. 15:52.107 --> 15:55.408 We invite your presence in this most sacred garden 15:55.408 --> 15:59.130 where many of our veterans and families have gathered 15:59.130 --> 16:02.213 and many of our nation's heroes rest. 16:04.136 --> 16:07.386 We give you thanks on this Veterans Day 16:08.208 --> 16:11.161 for the courage, devotion, and sacrifice 16:11.161 --> 16:15.161 of all those who have worn our nation's uniforms 16:15.452 --> 16:18.389 and offered military service for this country 16:18.389 --> 16:21.222 that we could enjoy such freedoms. 16:22.937 --> 16:26.937 God, we ask that you bless our nation's veterans 16:28.165 --> 16:31.961 in courage and bring healing to those who are suffering 16:31.961 --> 16:35.794 from both visible and invisible wounds of war. 16:37.993 --> 16:42.160 God, hold safely in your hands all military members, 16:42.230 --> 16:44.313 veterans, their families, 16:44.951 --> 16:47.588 and all who live in this great nation. 16:47.588 --> 16:50.671 God, remove evil acts from our midst, 16:51.815 --> 16:54.982 and grant us peace at home and abroad. 16:56.767 --> 17:00.434 Give to us grateful hearts and a united will 17:00.673 --> 17:02.506 to honor our veterans. 17:02.914 --> 17:06.729 May we always hold them in our love, in our prayers, 17:06.729 --> 17:09.787 until your world is perfected in peace 17:09.787 --> 17:11.370 and all wars cease. 17:12.793 --> 17:15.460 God, give us all a joyous spirit 17:16.685 --> 17:19.518 as we honor our nation's veterans. 17:19.775 --> 17:23.572 Let your presence be evident in the celebration 17:23.572 --> 17:24.989 of their service. 17:26.293 --> 17:30.460 In the name of God who challenged us to care, amen. 17:31.855 --> 17:33.105 - [Crowd] Amen. 17:39.744 --> 17:42.488 - Now I'd like to invite Mr. Thomas Stevens, 17:42.488 --> 17:46.219 National President, Korean War Veterans Association, 17:46.219 --> 17:49.469 to lead us in our Pledge of Allegiance. 18:02.218 --> 18:04.172 - I pledge allegiance to the flag 18:04.172 --> 18:06.755 of the United States of America 18:07.029 --> 18:10.355 and to the republic for which it stands. 18:10.355 --> 18:13.188 One nation under God, indivisible, 18:14.076 --> 18:16.826 with liberty and justice for all. 18:24.440 --> 18:26.023 - Please be seated. 18:31.510 --> 18:33.925 It is now my distinct privilege to introduce 18:33.925 --> 18:37.114 the members of the Veterans Day National Committee. 18:37.114 --> 18:41.281 The committee was formed by presidential order in 1954 18:41.880 --> 18:43.632 to plan this annual observance 18:43.632 --> 18:45.658 in honor of America's veterans 18:45.658 --> 18:48.486 and to support Veterans Day observances 18:48.486 --> 18:50.319 throughout the nation. 18:51.264 --> 18:53.485 Please hold your applause until I've introduced 18:53.485 --> 18:55.235 these special guests. 18:55.894 --> 19:00.061 If you're able, please stand when your name is called. 19:01.436 --> 19:04.809 Thomas Stevens, National President, Korean War 19:04.809 --> 19:06.559 Veterans Association. 19:08.051 --> 19:12.218 Angel Zuniga, National Commander, American G.I. Forum. 19:14.132 --> 19:18.132 Frank Kowalski, National Commander, Catholic War 19:19.145 --> 19:20.812 Veterans of the USA. 19:20.937 --> 19:23.485 Joe Parker, National President, 19:23.485 --> 19:25.902 Blinded Veterans Association. 19:26.494 --> 19:30.661 John Rowan, President, Vietnam Veterans of America. 19:32.024 --> 19:36.191 Keith Harmon, Commander-in-Chief, Veterans of Foreign 19:36.204 --> 19:38.371 Wars of the United States. 19:39.129 --> 19:42.129 William Starkey, National President, 19:42.366 --> 19:44.533 Fleet Reserve Association. 19:45.136 --> 19:49.303 David Zurfluh, National President, Paralyzed Veterans 19:50.299 --> 19:51.216 of America. 19:52.408 --> 19:55.764 Marion Polk, National Commander, American Veterans 19:55.764 --> 19:56.597 and Vets. 19:58.059 --> 20:02.226 Raoul Helwig, National Commander, Army and Navy Union. 20:03.284 --> 20:07.451 Jon Ostrowski, Executive Director, Non Commissioned 20:08.446 --> 20:10.279 Officers' Association. 20:10.725 --> 20:14.892 Larry (mumbles), National Commander, the American Legion. 20:17.777 --> 20:21.466 Cornelius Van Ness, National Commander, Military Order 20:21.466 --> 20:23.133 of the Purple Heart. 20:24.083 --> 20:28.250 Wendell Webb, National Commandant, Marine Corps League. 20:28.713 --> 20:31.380 Lyman Smith, Executive Director, 20:32.628 --> 20:35.295 Military Chaplains' Association. 20:36.397 --> 20:39.902 Jerry Walden, National Commander, Legion of Valor 20:39.902 --> 20:40.819 of the USA. 20:42.847 --> 20:45.970 David Gibson, Commander-in-Chief, Military Order 20:45.970 --> 20:47.470 of the World Wars. 20:48.435 --> 20:52.018 John Adams, National President, the Retired 20:52.212 --> 20:53.962 Enlisted Association. 20:54.663 --> 20:57.830 Brian Thacker, Washington, D.C. agent, 20:58.572 --> 21:01.712 Congressional Medal of Honor Society of the USA. 21:01.712 --> 21:05.379 Gary Augustine, Executive Director, Disabled 21:06.004 --> 21:07.504 American Veterans. 21:08.237 --> 21:12.299 Dana Atkins, President, Military Officers' Association 21:12.299 --> 21:13.216 of America. 21:14.553 --> 21:18.720 Jeff Ledoux, President, Air Force Sergeants' Association. 21:20.539 --> 21:24.622 Dean Coppola, Board Chair, Commissioned Officers' 21:26.750 --> 21:30.174 Association of the United States Public Health Service. 21:30.174 --> 21:33.643 Mr. Robert Swan, National Commander, Polish Legion 21:33.643 --> 21:35.726 of American Veterans USA. 21:37.282 --> 21:40.032 Not with us today is Paul Warner, 21:40.235 --> 21:43.690 National Commander from the Jewish War Veterans, 21:43.690 --> 21:47.174 as they do not attend the cemetery on the Shabbat. 21:47.174 --> 21:49.922 They will celebrate Veterans Day at the Vietnam Wall 21:49.922 --> 21:52.089 and World War II memorial. 21:53.259 --> 21:55.960 The associate members of the committee are located 21:55.960 --> 21:57.960 in the boxes to my left. 21:59.000 --> 22:02.646 I'd like to ask the presidents and national commanders 22:02.646 --> 22:04.257 that comprise our associate membership 22:04.257 --> 22:06.507 to stand and be recognized. 22:06.959 --> 22:09.580 Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in recognizing 22:09.580 --> 22:12.972 our Veterans national leadership with your applause. 22:12.972 --> 22:15.222 (applause) 22:28.135 --> 22:29.624 It is now my pleasure to introduce 22:29.624 --> 22:33.624 our Veterans service organization host for 2017. 22:34.116 --> 22:38.033 The Korean War Veterans Association of the USA. 22:38.760 --> 22:41.031 The Korean War Veterans Association 22:41.031 --> 22:44.448 of the United States of America, or KWVA, 22:44.533 --> 22:47.839 is honored to serve as the host organization 22:47.839 --> 22:51.839 for the 2017 Veterans Day national commemoration 22:52.712 --> 22:55.295 at Arlington National Cemetery. 22:55.301 --> 22:57.936 KWVA is incorporated as a non-profit corporation 22:57.936 --> 23:02.103 that meets the requirements for a Veterans service 23:03.157 --> 23:05.350 organization under section 501C-19 23:05.350 --> 23:08.350 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 23:08.986 --> 23:10.922 and that is organized under the laws 23:10.922 --> 23:13.005 of the state of New York. 23:13.911 --> 23:17.279 The KWVA mission is to defend the nation, 23:17.279 --> 23:20.862 care for veterans, perpetuate their legacy, 23:21.198 --> 23:23.865 remember all missing and fallen, 23:24.057 --> 23:26.057 maintain their memorial, 23:26.113 --> 23:28.196 and support a free Korea. 23:29.322 --> 23:31.358 If you have ever honorably served in Korea 23:31.358 --> 23:33.897 as a member of the US Armed Forces 23:33.897 --> 23:37.064 from September 3, 1945, to the present 23:37.714 --> 23:41.131 or served outside of Korea June 25, 1950, 23:42.987 --> 23:46.987 to January 31, 1955, you qualify for membership. 23:48.642 --> 23:51.319 The Korean War Veterans Association 23:51.319 --> 23:54.965 is represented today by their National President. 23:54.965 --> 23:57.774 Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Mr. Thomas Stevens. 23:57.774 --> 24:00.024 (applause) 24:06.402 --> 24:07.402 - Thank you. 24:07.409 --> 24:09.577 Vice President Pence, Secretary Shulkin, 24:09.577 --> 24:11.039 distinguished guests, 24:11.039 --> 24:13.285 and my fellow veterans and their families, 24:13.285 --> 24:16.010 good morning and happy Veterans Day. 24:16.010 --> 24:17.927 My name is Tom Stevens. 24:18.161 --> 24:20.244 I'm the National President of the Korean War 24:20.244 --> 24:23.080 Veterans Association of the United States of America. 24:23.080 --> 24:25.949 The Korean War Veterans Association 24:25.949 --> 24:28.458 has the distinct honor and privilege 24:28.458 --> 24:32.375 of co-hosting this year's National Veterans Day 24:32.630 --> 24:35.880 Commemorations here in Washington, D.C. 24:36.945 --> 24:39.964 Often referred to as the forgotten war, 24:39.964 --> 24:43.131 the Korean War began on June 25, 1950, 24:45.932 --> 24:49.474 when some 75,000 soldiers from the North Korean 24:49.474 --> 24:53.307 People's Army poured across the 38th parallel, 24:54.854 --> 24:56.944 the boundary between the Soviet-backed 24:56.944 --> 25:00.471 Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the north 25:00.471 --> 25:04.638 and the pro-western Republic of Korea to the south. 25:05.154 --> 25:08.821 The Korean peninsula is still divided today. 25:08.830 --> 25:12.012 Today I would like to pay special tribute 25:12.012 --> 25:15.929 to all who have served on the Korean peninsula, 25:16.443 --> 25:19.860 from the start of the war to the present. 25:19.947 --> 25:22.936 Your service and dedication to ensure 25:22.936 --> 25:27.103 the stability and freedom of the Republic of Korea 25:27.823 --> 25:30.906 will be remembered for years to come. 25:32.036 --> 25:34.697 We honor and thank you for your service to our country 25:34.697 --> 25:37.114 and to the Republic of Korea. 25:38.500 --> 25:41.079 On this Veterans Day and all such days 25:41.079 --> 25:43.246 when we pause to remember, 25:43.468 --> 25:46.149 there are essential lessons for the young 25:46.149 --> 25:49.732 and indeed for all the rest of us, as well. 25:49.955 --> 25:52.394 Appreciate the blessings of freedom, 25:52.394 --> 25:56.061 recognize the power and virtue of sacrifice, 25:56.354 --> 25:58.987 and respect those who gave everything 25:58.987 --> 26:01.404 on behalf of the common good. 26:02.119 --> 26:05.909 Veterans Day reminds us of what we can achieve 26:05.909 --> 26:08.853 when we pull together as one nation, 26:08.853 --> 26:12.240 respecting each other with all of our myriad differences, 26:12.240 --> 26:15.537 but coming together, we can fight any battle 26:15.537 --> 26:17.454 and face any challenge. 26:18.325 --> 26:20.886 May God bless the United States of America 26:20.886 --> 26:24.469 and all the American heroes we honor today, 26:24.474 --> 26:27.844 and may God bless also those who still stand 26:27.844 --> 26:30.807 at the ready, and may he give us the wisdom 26:30.807 --> 26:33.418 to do what is right for tomorrow. 26:33.418 --> 26:34.251 Thank you. 26:34.720 --> 26:37.816 We're honored to be the host Veterans service organization. 26:37.816 --> 26:39.348 Thank you very much. 26:39.348 --> 26:41.598 (applause) 26:50.668 --> 26:51.682 - Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome 26:51.682 --> 26:54.265 the Honorable David J. Shulkin, 26:55.392 --> 26:56.972 Secretary of Veterans Affairs. 26:56.972 --> 26:59.222 (applause) 27:03.632 --> 27:04.974 - It's great to see all of you on this 27:04.974 --> 27:06.371 wonderful Veterans Day. 27:06.371 --> 27:08.307 Mr. Vice President, Mrs. Pence, 27:08.307 --> 27:11.111 Medal of Honor recipient Brian Thacker, 27:11.111 --> 27:13.150 Secretary Mnuchin, Secretary Mattis, 27:13.150 --> 27:16.483 Secretary Zinke, Acting Secretary Hagin, 27:17.189 --> 27:20.460 Deputy Secretary Bowman, Deputy Secretary Shanahan, 27:20.460 --> 27:22.613 Secretary Wilson, General Dunford, 27:22.613 --> 27:26.363 General Selva, former VA Secretary Jim Peake, 27:26.463 --> 27:30.630 Tom Stevens from the Korean War Veterans Association, 27:31.855 --> 27:34.680 and all the representatives of our Veterans service 27:34.680 --> 27:37.496 organizations, assembled veterans, 27:37.496 --> 27:39.906 members of our Armed Forces, VA colleagues, 27:39.906 --> 27:41.796 other distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 27:41.796 --> 27:43.830 I don't think I left anybody out. 27:43.830 --> 27:46.259 The Department of Veteran Affairs 27:46.259 --> 27:48.035 has two main missions, to honor the dead 27:48.035 --> 27:51.202 and care for the living in accordance with the 27:51.202 --> 27:53.881 solemn promise made by President Abraham Lincoln 27:53.881 --> 27:56.226 in his second inaugural address in 1865. 27:56.226 --> 27:59.809 We at VA keep that promise 365 days a year. 28:02.415 --> 28:05.140 And this past year, we've made great progress 28:05.140 --> 28:07.233 towards also keeping President Trump's 28:07.233 --> 28:10.178 promise to veterans, strengthening our ability 28:10.178 --> 28:13.555 to provide timely, high quality care and benefits 28:13.555 --> 28:16.318 while also improving outcomes and experience 28:16.318 --> 28:17.401 for veterans. 28:18.185 --> 28:21.268 But twice a year we invite the nation 28:21.722 --> 28:23.994 to join us in keeping Lincoln's promise 28:23.994 --> 28:26.094 by honoring the dead on Memorial Day 28:26.094 --> 28:29.296 and honoring the living on Veterans Day. 28:29.296 --> 28:32.370 There was a time when more Americans understood 28:32.370 --> 28:35.537 the importance of honoring the living. 28:35.640 --> 28:37.504 Many more Americans had connections with the military. 28:37.504 --> 28:41.653 In the 1950s, nearly half of all Americans, 45%, 28:41.653 --> 28:43.635 had either served in the military 28:43.635 --> 28:45.552 or had an immediate family member 28:45.552 --> 28:47.778 who had served in the military. 28:47.778 --> 28:50.778 Today, that number is just 16%. 28:51.257 --> 28:53.831 So I've invited one veteran from each of our recent 28:53.831 --> 28:56.061 major conflicts to be here today 28:56.061 --> 28:58.978 to remind us why we honor veterans. 28:59.408 --> 29:01.741 First, to my left in box 40, 29:01.915 --> 29:05.332 is Jessica Halton of Kalamazoo, Michigan. 29:06.337 --> 29:08.077 Jessica, would you stand? 29:08.077 --> 29:08.910 Great. 29:10.390 --> 29:12.640 (applause) 29:14.874 --> 29:16.856 Jess ran out of money for college, 29:16.856 --> 29:19.811 so she enlisted in the Navy in 2010. 29:19.811 --> 29:21.808 Trained as an aircraft mechanic, 29:21.808 --> 29:24.937 she served with an E2C Hawkeye Squadron 29:24.937 --> 29:27.009 at (mumbles), Japan, completing three six-month cruises 29:27.009 --> 29:31.176 with the squadron aboard the USS George Washington. 29:32.586 --> 29:34.969 Then after four years on active duty, 29:34.969 --> 29:38.312 she used the G.I. Bill to finish her bachelor's degree 29:38.312 --> 29:41.552 and earn a master's degree in national security policy 29:41.552 --> 29:43.867 which she will finish in May. 29:43.867 --> 29:46.645 Congratulations, Jess, and thank you for your service. 29:46.645 --> 29:48.895 (applause) 29:52.274 --> 29:53.963 Next, in box 40, Jeff Roper. 29:53.963 --> 29:55.464 Jeff, would you stand? 29:55.464 --> 29:56.297 Jeff- 29:58.343 --> 30:00.137 (applause) 30:00.137 --> 30:01.934 Jeff was born Fayetteville, North Carolina, 30:01.934 --> 30:03.535 raised in Richmond, Virginia. 30:03.535 --> 30:06.171 Jeff was a sergeant in the Gulf War 30:06.171 --> 30:09.338 with the second of the 327th Infantry, 30:09.513 --> 30:11.487 101st Airborne Division. 30:11.487 --> 30:14.414 He was encamped with his squad in Saudi Arabia 30:14.414 --> 30:17.727 when an anti-tank round went through the camp. 30:17.727 --> 30:20.304 The round struck the tent next to Jeff's and exploded, 30:20.304 --> 30:23.304 peppering Jeff's back with shrapnel. 30:23.358 --> 30:25.357 Thankfully, Jeff was not seriously injured 30:25.357 --> 30:28.096 and was able to remain with his unit. 30:28.096 --> 30:30.763 He retired from the Army in 2006 30:30.864 --> 30:32.489 with 20 years of service, 30:32.489 --> 30:34.473 and now he works in my office 30:34.473 --> 30:36.273 at the Department of Veteran Affairs. 30:36.273 --> 30:38.759 He's here today representing both Gulf War veterans 30:38.759 --> 30:42.842 and VA employees, one-third of whom are veterans. 30:43.018 --> 30:44.073 Thank you, Jeff. 30:44.073 --> 30:46.323 (applause) 30:49.183 --> 30:50.352 Next, down here in front is Tom Devlin 30:50.352 --> 30:52.602 from Newtown, Pennsylvania. 30:53.538 --> 30:55.121 Tom, where are you? 30:57.326 --> 30:58.159 Okay. 30:58.728 --> 31:01.728 Tom enlisted in the Marines in 1966. 31:01.952 --> 31:04.129 Two years later, he was a rifleman in Vietnam 31:04.129 --> 31:07.812 when a booby trap sent him flying through the air. 31:07.812 --> 31:11.500 He spent the 1968 Tet Offensive in the hospital 31:11.500 --> 31:12.417 in Da Nang. 31:12.836 --> 31:15.036 After Vietnam, Tom served nine years 31:15.036 --> 31:16.767 in the Marine Corps Reserves 31:16.767 --> 31:19.140 before switching services and joining 31:19.140 --> 31:21.764 the Air National Guard as a medic. 31:21.764 --> 31:24.215 He's retired now after 27 years of active service. 31:24.215 --> 31:27.100 Tom credits the vet center in Silver Spring, Maryland, 31:27.100 --> 31:28.850 with saving his life. 31:29.740 --> 31:32.084 He showed up there one day at his wit's end 31:32.084 --> 31:33.604 thinking of suicide, 31:33.604 --> 31:36.205 but the vet center staff brought him back from the brink. 31:36.205 --> 31:39.557 Tom, to you and all other Vietnam veterans, 31:39.557 --> 31:40.640 welcome home. 31:40.663 --> 31:42.913 (applause) 31:46.681 --> 31:50.098 Next, in box 40 in the back is Bill Scott 31:50.779 --> 31:52.446 of Marlow, Oklahoma. 31:52.497 --> 31:54.330 Bill, would you stand? 31:56.035 --> 31:58.210 Okay, coming up there. Great. 31:58.210 --> 32:00.668 True to his roots as a proud member 32:00.668 --> 32:04.835 of the Chickasaw Nation, Bill fudged his birthdate 32:05.686 --> 32:08.537 to enlist in the National Guard when he was just 16. 32:08.537 --> 32:11.037 When the Korean War broke out, 32:11.453 --> 32:12.832 he could've used his young age to get out of going, 32:12.832 --> 32:13.999 but he didn't. 32:14.204 --> 32:17.473 He deployed to Korea with the 45th Infantry Division 32:17.473 --> 32:18.306 in 1951. 32:19.749 --> 32:23.123 Despite his age, Bill was made a squad leader 32:23.123 --> 32:25.029 and was promoted to staff sergeant. 32:25.029 --> 32:28.345 He served nine months in combat before returning home 32:28.345 --> 32:30.241 and going back to high school for his senior year, 32:30.241 --> 32:33.908 then he used the G.I. Bill to go to college, 32:34.670 --> 32:36.997 and he's had a very good life ever since. 32:36.997 --> 32:39.987 He's been a patient at VA facilities in two states. 32:39.987 --> 32:43.570 He's bought two houses using VA home loans, 32:43.882 --> 32:45.772 and he lives in one of them now with Linda, 32:45.772 --> 32:47.522 his wife of 52 years. 32:47.749 --> 32:49.382 Congratulations to both of you. 32:49.382 --> 32:51.632 (applause) 32:55.981 --> 32:59.398 Finally, also in box 40, is Carmel Wetzel 32:59.437 --> 33:02.050 who grew up on a farm in West Virginia. 33:02.050 --> 33:03.651 Carmel, nice to see you. 33:03.651 --> 33:05.901 (applause) 33:07.729 --> 33:11.327 Carmel was drafted in 1942 and deployed to France 33:11.327 --> 33:15.494 with the 26th Infantry Division one month after D-Day. 33:16.196 --> 33:19.288 First he drove a truck for the famed Red Ball Express, 33:19.288 --> 33:22.238 and endless convoy that moved food, fuel, 33:22.238 --> 33:23.912 and ammunition from the English Channel 33:23.912 --> 33:25.829 to Patton's Third Army. 33:25.958 --> 33:28.032 Later he saw combat with the heavy weapons company 33:28.032 --> 33:32.115 until November 1, 1944, when amid fierce fighting 33:33.048 --> 33:35.340 he was captured by the Germans. 33:35.340 --> 33:37.951 He spent the rest of the war as a POW, 33:37.951 --> 33:40.951 mostly at Stalag 2A north of Berlin. 33:41.309 --> 33:43.008 Breakfast was a cup of tea, 33:43.008 --> 33:45.008 lunch was two rutabagas, 33:45.029 --> 33:47.769 dinner was one sixth of a loaf of bread. 33:47.769 --> 33:50.481 Carmel escaped once with two other men 33:50.481 --> 33:52.330 by sneaking out the front door of the barracks 33:52.330 --> 33:54.410 during a nighttime bed check. 33:54.410 --> 33:56.339 They remained at large for 15 days 33:56.339 --> 33:58.033 before they were recaptured 33:58.033 --> 34:01.145 and were only not shot because several Americans 34:01.145 --> 34:04.726 who had escaped just before them had been shot. 34:04.726 --> 34:06.521 After the war, Carmel went back to driving a truck, 34:06.521 --> 34:09.410 but for two years in his spare time 34:09.410 --> 34:10.927 and without any pay, 34:10.927 --> 34:13.139 he built apartments in Baltimore for other veterans 34:13.139 --> 34:15.472 returning home from the war. 34:15.785 --> 34:19.089 Amazing stories, and there's hardly a veteran alive 34:19.089 --> 34:20.683 who doesn't have one. 34:20.683 --> 34:22.183 Our guest speaker- 34:22.887 --> 34:25.137 (applause) 34:31.211 --> 34:34.290 Our guest speaker today also has a story to tell, 34:34.290 --> 34:37.705 not of his own service, but of his family's. 34:37.705 --> 34:39.375 The Vice President's father, 34:39.375 --> 34:41.858 Second Lieutenant Edward J. Pence, 34:41.858 --> 34:46.025 also served in the 45th Infantry Division in Korea 34:47.066 --> 34:50.635 not long after Bill Scott, our teenage Chickasaw sergeant. 34:50.635 --> 34:53.019 In the war's last months, Ed Pence was awarded 34:53.019 --> 34:55.063 the Bronze Star for his actions 34:55.063 --> 34:59.230 as a rifle platoon leader in combat near Pork Chop Hill. 34:59.384 --> 35:00.634 That's not all. 35:00.634 --> 35:03.729 In 1983, the Vice President's older brother, 35:03.729 --> 35:06.979 First Lieutenant Greg Pence also served 35:09.473 --> 35:11.000 with the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment 35:11.000 --> 35:13.042 in Beirut, Lebanon, just before the infamous 35:13.042 --> 35:17.209 barrack bombings that killed 241 American service members 35:17.468 --> 35:19.718 and 58 French paratroopers. 35:20.311 --> 35:24.478 And now, currently serving, is the Vice President's son, 35:25.005 --> 35:27.232 Marine 1st Lieutenant Michael Pence, 35:27.232 --> 35:30.649 who's now in flight school flying jet trainers. 35:30.649 --> 35:34.043 That's quite a service record for one family, 35:34.043 --> 35:37.405 and what it tells me is that when it comes to caring 35:37.405 --> 35:40.062 for the men and women who have served our country, 35:40.062 --> 35:43.786 the Vice President is a man we know will always 35:43.786 --> 35:45.134 do the right thing. 35:45.134 --> 35:47.972 Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great personal pleasure 35:47.972 --> 35:51.305 and professional honor to present to you 35:51.812 --> 35:55.263 the Vice President of the United States, Mike Pence. 35:55.263 --> 35:57.513 (applause) 36:13.481 --> 36:16.064 - Thank you, Secretary Shulkin. 36:16.180 --> 36:19.007 Secretary Mattis, Secretary Zinke, 36:19.007 --> 36:23.090 all the members of the cabinet, Secretary Wilson, 36:23.253 --> 36:27.420 General Dunford, General Selva, General McConville, 36:28.207 --> 36:31.166 Admiral Caldwell, and Admiral (mumbles), 36:31.166 --> 36:33.499 to Director Durham-Aguilera, 36:33.760 --> 36:36.400 to distinguished members of Congress 36:36.400 --> 36:39.809 and all our honored guests, but most of all 36:39.809 --> 36:43.142 to the men and women of the Armed Forces 36:44.473 --> 36:48.640 of the United States of America and to all our veterans 36:50.173 --> 36:54.090 who have worn the uniform of this great nation, 36:55.049 --> 36:56.632 happy Veterans Day. 36:57.894 --> 37:00.144 (applause) 37:06.680 --> 37:08.953 There is a day in the spring when we remember those 37:08.953 --> 37:11.163 who served and did not come home. 37:11.163 --> 37:15.330 But today, Veterans Day, is the day when all across America 37:17.738 --> 37:20.238 in gatherings large and small, 37:20.557 --> 37:24.724 we pause to remember those who served and did come home. 37:28.306 --> 37:30.137 For nearly a century since the guns of 37:30.137 --> 37:32.800 the first World War fell silent, 37:32.800 --> 37:36.527 in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 37:36.527 --> 37:40.110 the American people have observed this day, 37:40.481 --> 37:44.440 first as Armistice Day, and now as Veterans Day. 37:44.440 --> 37:47.190 And I thank you all who are here, 37:47.368 --> 37:50.956 and all that are gathered around this nation 37:50.956 --> 37:53.956 for continuing this great tradition. 37:55.393 --> 37:57.341 And to our heroes near and far, 37:57.341 --> 38:01.122 I bring Veterans Day greetings from a great champion 38:01.122 --> 38:03.544 for the men and women who've worn the uniform 38:03.544 --> 38:06.429 of our Armed Forces, the 45th President 38:06.429 --> 38:10.326 of the United States of America, President Donald Trump. 38:10.326 --> 38:12.576 (applause) 38:21.606 --> 38:22.836 At this very moment, our President is halfway 38:22.836 --> 38:26.753 around the world, but I know his heart his here 38:27.412 --> 38:29.329 in this hallowed place, 38:30.032 --> 38:34.199 and at every Veterans Day service across the country. 38:34.613 --> 38:36.486 President Trump asked us to be here 38:36.486 --> 38:40.110 at this National Veterans Day Ceremony to, in his words, 38:40.110 --> 38:43.693 honor all Americans who served in the Army, 38:44.599 --> 38:47.042 Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, 38:47.042 --> 38:50.931 in times of war and peace and to pay due respect, 38:50.931 --> 38:53.431 due respect to those Americans 38:53.703 --> 38:56.209 who have passed the torch of liberty 38:56.209 --> 38:59.323 from one generation to the next, for they surely have. 38:59.323 --> 39:03.490 And so I say to each and every one of you veterans 39:05.035 --> 39:08.529 gathered here, and all of those that might be looking on, 39:08.529 --> 39:11.279 we are grateful for your service. 39:12.513 --> 39:15.150 We're grateful for your sacrifice, 39:15.150 --> 39:17.483 and I'll make you a promise. 39:17.508 --> 39:21.675 Just as you fought for us, we will always fight for you. 39:23.112 --> 39:25.362 (applause) 39:31.822 --> 39:33.653 The Bible tells us if you owe debts, pay debts. 39:33.653 --> 39:35.403 If honor, then honor. 39:36.058 --> 39:38.141 If respect, then respect. 39:38.602 --> 39:40.594 And the debt our nation owes those who have worn 39:40.594 --> 39:43.303 the uniform is a debt we will never be able 39:43.303 --> 39:44.553 to fully repay. 39:45.916 --> 39:47.980 From the hour of our nation's birth, 39:47.980 --> 39:49.811 our best and bravest have stepped forward 39:49.811 --> 39:51.644 to defend our freedom. 39:51.650 --> 39:53.606 The unbroken cord of their service 39:53.606 --> 39:57.773 stretches back into the mists of American history. 39:58.449 --> 40:01.199 From Bunker Hill to Belleau Wood, 40:01.727 --> 40:03.732 from San Juan Hill to Saipan, 40:03.732 --> 40:06.399 from the Coral Reef to Kandahar, 40:06.881 --> 40:09.464 nearly 50 million men and women 40:09.532 --> 40:13.034 have donned the uniform of the United States, 40:13.034 --> 40:16.969 and nearly 20 million still walk among us today. 40:16.969 --> 40:21.136 And as we speak, a new generation of American veterans 40:21.354 --> 40:24.604 is being forged across the wider world. 40:27.494 --> 40:31.077 As I look out today, it's a humbling sight. 40:31.387 --> 40:34.976 I see heroes from the second World War, Korea, 40:34.976 --> 40:39.143 Vietnam, and more recently from Iraq and Afghanistan, 40:40.314 --> 40:44.231 and many more who've watched in times of peace. 40:45.521 --> 40:48.365 Yesterday, in Da Nang, Vietnam, our President commemorated 40:48.365 --> 40:51.056 the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War 40:51.056 --> 40:54.154 and met with some of the heroes who fought that war 40:54.154 --> 40:57.071 on the very soil where they fought. 40:58.459 --> 41:00.299 As the President said yesterday, 41:00.299 --> 41:02.056 we salute our brave Vietnam veterans 41:02.056 --> 41:05.073 and recall the sacrifices they made for our freedom 41:05.073 --> 41:07.573 and for our nation's strength. 41:08.218 --> 41:10.794 Some nine million Americans served in those jungles, 41:10.794 --> 41:14.794 and more than 58,000 fell in defense of freedom, 41:16.079 --> 41:20.162 their names now enshrined on a black granite wall 41:20.936 --> 41:22.436 not far from here. 41:23.368 --> 41:25.412 So to all our Vietnam veterans who are gathered here 41:25.412 --> 41:28.579 in the midst of this 50th anniversary, 41:30.246 --> 41:33.079 I say thank you, and welcome home. 41:34.899 --> 41:37.149 (applause) 41:43.973 --> 41:45.980 And I'm told one of those veterans has come to this ceremony 41:45.980 --> 41:49.455 almost every year, and is almost always introduced 41:49.455 --> 41:53.122 as he was today, but I don't think his story 41:54.772 --> 41:56.089 has ever been told, 41:56.089 --> 42:00.256 and I hope he won't mind too much if I tell it today. 42:01.827 --> 42:05.410 36 years ago this March, a first lieutenant 42:05.564 --> 42:09.731 in the United States Army, 1st Battalion, 97th Artillery, 42:10.783 --> 42:14.271 awoke at dawn to a massive north Vietnamese attack 42:14.271 --> 42:16.104 on a hilltop out post. 42:17.672 --> 42:19.626 He and his brothers were heavily outnumbered. 42:19.626 --> 42:21.806 It took just minutes for the enemy 42:21.806 --> 42:23.949 to break through their defenses, 42:23.949 --> 42:26.801 and the fighting very quickly became hand-to-hand. 42:26.801 --> 42:29.954 History records in that moment that, that young 42:29.954 --> 42:34.121 first lieutenant rallied his brothers to stand their ground. 42:34.805 --> 42:37.334 He ordered air and artillery strikes 42:37.334 --> 42:41.501 from a dangerously exposed position for four straight hours. 42:42.080 --> 42:44.247 As the situation worsened, 42:44.479 --> 42:47.562 he personally directed the withdrawal 42:47.726 --> 42:49.539 and provided cover fire, 42:49.539 --> 42:51.699 and to ensure his brothers' safety 42:51.699 --> 42:54.528 and to inflict maximum damage on the enemy, 42:54.528 --> 42:56.910 he actually called in an artillery strike 42:56.910 --> 42:58.577 on his own position. 42:59.545 --> 43:02.202 Wounded and unable to escape himself, 43:02.202 --> 43:05.381 he managed to evade detection for eight long days 43:05.381 --> 43:08.385 until he was rescued when American forces 43:08.385 --> 43:09.968 retook the outpost. 43:10.695 --> 43:13.195 For his conspicuous gallantry, 43:15.006 --> 43:17.740 at the risk of his own life above and beyond 43:17.740 --> 43:20.207 the call of duty, he received, of course, 43:20.207 --> 43:21.790 the Medal of Honor. 43:22.808 --> 43:25.951 So would you join me today in thanking a true 43:25.951 --> 43:29.273 American hero, Medal of Honor recipient, 43:29.273 --> 43:31.856 First Lieutenant Brian Thacker. 43:32.043 --> 43:34.293 (applause) 44:00.406 --> 44:03.656 Our nation owes a debt to our veterans, 44:03.684 --> 44:05.248 and as I said, it's a debt we can never fully repay. 44:05.248 --> 44:09.331 But on this Veterans Day, we rededicate ourselves 44:11.194 --> 44:13.245 to accomplishing just that. 44:13.245 --> 44:15.296 And I can assure you since the outset of this administration 44:15.296 --> 44:17.613 President Trump has fought tirelessly 44:17.613 --> 44:21.443 to fulfill the words of our nation's 16th President, 44:21.443 --> 44:25.443 to care for him who shall have borne the battle. 44:25.847 --> 44:28.430 Working with Secretary Shulkin, 44:29.048 --> 44:30.771 we've made the Department of Veterans' Affairs 44:30.771 --> 44:33.551 already more efficient, effective, and accountable. 44:33.551 --> 44:34.884 Let me be clear. 44:35.914 --> 44:38.650 Veterans' benefits are not entitlements. 44:38.650 --> 44:39.983 They are earned. 44:41.454 --> 44:43.349 They are the ongoing compensation 44:43.349 --> 44:45.889 for services rendered in the uniform 44:45.889 --> 44:47.728 of the United States of America. 44:47.728 --> 44:49.978 (applause) 44:54.312 --> 44:55.457 And under President Donald Trump, 44:55.457 --> 44:57.795 we're keeping the promises that we've made 44:57.795 --> 45:01.167 to men and women who've served in our Armed Forces. 45:01.167 --> 45:02.644 This President has already expanded the 45:02.644 --> 45:05.291 Veterans Choice Program by more than $2 billion 45:05.291 --> 45:07.421 to give our heroes access to real time, 45:07.421 --> 45:09.421 high quality healthcare. 45:09.684 --> 45:13.158 And because not all wounds of war are visible, 45:13.158 --> 45:15.415 we've improved veterans' access to 45:15.415 --> 45:17.154 urgent mental healthcare services 45:17.154 --> 45:19.688 and given greater access to telemedicine 45:19.688 --> 45:21.105 for our veterans. 45:21.351 --> 45:23.668 President Trump has signed the VA Accountability 45:23.668 --> 45:25.525 and Whistleblower Protection Act to ensure 45:25.525 --> 45:28.492 that our veterans receive the highest level of service, 45:28.492 --> 45:30.750 and this President has taken decisive action 45:30.750 --> 45:34.290 to end a pattern of neglect and mistreatment at the VA. 45:34.290 --> 45:37.790 We've already fired or suspended over 1500 45:38.226 --> 45:41.226 VA employees for negligent behavior. 45:41.780 --> 45:44.030 (applause) 45:48.536 --> 45:51.018 I want to assure you, as the President has said, 45:51.018 --> 45:54.851 we will not rest or relent until all America's 45:54.997 --> 45:59.164 great veterans receive the care they so richly deserve. 45:59.567 --> 46:01.817 (applause) 46:06.431 --> 46:08.170 Beyond healthcare, President Trump has also 46:08.170 --> 46:12.253 signed legislation to expand the post-911 GI Bill 46:12.383 --> 46:15.038 and eliminate the 15 year limit on benefits 46:15.038 --> 46:17.216 for new veterans so they can pursue an education 46:17.216 --> 46:18.716 of their choosing. 46:19.354 --> 46:21.555 And I'm glad to report veteran unemployment 46:21.555 --> 46:24.638 has already fallen by nearly 40% 46:25.012 --> 46:27.845 since President Trump was elected. 46:28.128 --> 46:30.100 It's lower today than any point 46:30.100 --> 46:33.735 since the year 2000, and we're just getting started. 46:33.735 --> 46:35.985 (applause) 46:39.345 --> 46:41.007 You know, today our veterans continue to serve 46:41.007 --> 46:45.174 our nation in careers ranging from business to education, 46:45.681 --> 46:48.790 from law enforcement to public service, 46:48.790 --> 46:51.085 and it seems wherever they go, 46:51.085 --> 46:54.585 their lives are characterized by that same 46:54.899 --> 46:58.816 sense of duty, and the courage and selflessness 46:58.893 --> 47:02.726 forged during their years in our Armed Forces. 47:04.673 --> 47:07.006 You know, earlier this week, 47:07.468 --> 47:10.631 I heard the remarkable story of one such veteran, 47:10.631 --> 47:14.131 and I thought I'd share it with you today. 47:14.232 --> 47:17.065 On Wednesday, Karen and I traveled 47:18.266 --> 47:21.866 to Sutherland Springs, Texas, to meet the families 47:21.866 --> 47:24.279 and the victims of the worst attack on a place of worship 47:24.279 --> 47:25.946 in American history. 47:28.969 --> 47:30.771 At Brook Army Medical Center, we stood at the bedside 47:30.771 --> 47:34.688 of a retired U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant 47:37.369 --> 47:38.869 named Juan Macias. 47:41.322 --> 47:44.084 We spoke to his family as he lay before us, 47:44.084 --> 47:46.501 recovering from his injuries. 47:46.826 --> 47:49.089 But it was from another member of the church 47:49.089 --> 47:53.256 that we learned of that veteran's extraordinary courage 47:54.435 --> 47:55.435 last Sunday. 47:56.004 --> 47:58.837 Julie Workman, a registered nurse, 47:59.497 --> 48:03.664 was also wounded at the First Baptist Church that day. 48:03.753 --> 48:06.336 No sooner had the attacker left 48:06.913 --> 48:09.723 that she began to treat the wounded. 48:09.723 --> 48:12.180 Seeing what lay before her, though, 48:12.180 --> 48:15.763 Julie told me she was momentarily overcome. 48:16.294 --> 48:19.127 And that's when Gunney stepped in. 48:23.895 --> 48:26.131 Despite having five bullet wounds, 48:26.131 --> 48:29.657 she told me that Gunney sat up, looked her in the eye, 48:29.657 --> 48:31.740 and said, "You were born for this. 48:31.740 --> 48:33.823 Keep your wits about you. 48:34.481 --> 48:35.564 Do your job." 48:39.420 --> 48:42.361 She said that's all she needed to hear. 48:42.361 --> 48:44.778 Heroism outlives the uniform, 48:47.508 --> 48:50.701 and her actions and his courage undoubtedly 48:50.701 --> 48:52.451 saved lives that day. 48:54.280 --> 48:56.142 That's an American veteran. 48:56.142 --> 48:58.392 (applause) 49:05.036 --> 49:06.393 This Veterans Day, we honor those who served 49:06.393 --> 49:09.060 with tributes and promises kept, 49:12.089 --> 49:14.497 but as our veterans understand better than most, 49:14.497 --> 49:16.238 we also honor their service by ensuring 49:16.238 --> 49:19.428 that the men and women served in our Armed Forces today 49:19.428 --> 49:21.768 have the resources and support they need 49:21.768 --> 49:24.601 to defend this nation in this day. 49:27.361 --> 49:28.609 Our veterans will be glad to know 49:28.609 --> 49:30.861 that President Trump has already taken decisive action 49:30.861 --> 49:33.613 to make the strongest military in the history 49:33.613 --> 49:35.054 of the world stronger still. 49:35.054 --> 49:38.567 This President has already signed the largest 49:38.567 --> 49:40.474 increase in military spending in nearly a decade, 49:40.474 --> 49:43.628 and before this year is out, we'll enact the largest 49:43.628 --> 49:45.688 investment in our national defense since the days 49:45.688 --> 49:47.105 of Ronald Reagan. 49:47.231 --> 49:49.481 (applause) 49:54.157 --> 49:55.457 And under President Donald Trump, 49:55.457 --> 49:57.243 I'll make you a promise. 49:57.243 --> 49:59.993 We're gonna rebuild our military. 50:00.133 --> 50:02.550 We're gonna restores the arsenal of democracy, 50:02.550 --> 50:05.921 and we will once again give our soldiers, sailors, 50:05.921 --> 50:09.578 airmen, Marines, and Cost Guardsmen the resources 50:09.578 --> 50:13.666 and training they need to accomplish their mission 50:13.666 --> 50:15.249 and come home safe. 50:15.895 --> 50:18.343 That's our promise to all of you. 50:18.343 --> 50:20.593 (applause) 50:25.736 --> 50:28.653 As I close, let me say again how deeply humbling 50:28.653 --> 50:32.033 it is for me to stand before so many heroes. 50:32.033 --> 50:36.033 For you see, I'm, as Secretary Shulkin told you, 50:42.519 --> 50:44.602 I'm the son of a soldier, 50:46.251 --> 50:49.661 and I'm the proud father of a United States Marine, 50:49.661 --> 50:51.937 but my life never took me into the uniform 50:51.937 --> 50:53.687 of the United States. 50:55.989 --> 50:59.493 I've never experienced the cost of war on the battlefield 50:59.493 --> 51:03.660 or had to endure the hardship of time away from home 51:04.060 --> 51:08.227 and family that can come with service, even in peace time. 51:10.539 --> 51:14.706 But I've seen enough to know the burden our veterans bear 51:14.745 --> 51:18.495 is often times a burden that lives far beyond 51:20.569 --> 51:22.319 your time in uniform. 51:23.736 --> 51:27.653 64 years ago, my dad served in combat in Korea. 51:32.245 --> 51:35.590 Second Lieutenant Edward J. Pence was in the U.S. Army, 51:35.590 --> 51:36.757 45th Infantry. 51:39.013 --> 51:41.990 He fought in the battle of Old Baldy and Pork Chop Hill, 51:41.990 --> 51:46.157 and he earned a Bronze Star for his courage under fire. 51:46.269 --> 51:50.436 The truth is, I learned most of that after I grew up, 51:50.614 --> 51:53.864 because Dad never talked about the war. 51:56.779 --> 52:00.446 And that medal stayed in his dresser drawer. 52:02.396 --> 52:03.652 A few years after he died, I was visiting a cousin 52:03.652 --> 52:07.569 that he grew up with on the streets of Chicago. 52:10.425 --> 52:14.294 And he told me that the war had changed my dad. 52:14.294 --> 52:18.461 When I asked him how, he said, "You know, before the war, 52:19.984 --> 52:23.528 your dad was the most happy-go-lucky guy I ever met." 52:23.528 --> 52:27.611 But he said after he came back, he was different. 52:32.149 --> 52:35.566 And then he said words I'll never forget. 52:36.069 --> 52:39.819 He said, and I quote, "I don't think your dad 52:42.470 --> 52:45.803 ever got over the guilt of coming home." 52:46.991 --> 52:49.241 I don't think your dad ever 52:50.481 --> 52:53.314 got over the guilt of coming home. 52:57.144 --> 53:00.477 You know, in those words, in an instant, 53:03.578 --> 53:06.828 I understood every unfinished sentence, 53:08.684 --> 53:11.526 every far away look on my father's face, 53:11.526 --> 53:13.609 whenever the war came up. 53:15.149 --> 53:16.302 If he talked about it at all, 53:16.302 --> 53:19.635 he talked about the guys he served with, 53:19.831 --> 53:23.998 guys who didn't get to come home to marry their sweetheart, 53:26.877 --> 53:29.127 raise a house full of kids, 53:30.479 --> 53:34.646 live their dreams and see their children's children. 53:35.311 --> 53:39.478 That's when I understood the quiet cost of freedom 53:43.971 --> 53:48.138 and the burden so many of our veterans bear in their hearts. 53:49.608 --> 53:53.691 So to all are our veterans looking on, know this. 53:57.011 --> 53:58.344 We are with you. 54:00.115 --> 54:03.032 You do not carry that burden alone. 54:04.566 --> 54:08.359 As a nation, we stand ready to help you shoulder that load 54:08.359 --> 54:11.473 with the compassion, support, and prayers 54:11.473 --> 54:13.390 of the American people. 54:14.685 --> 54:18.602 You were there for us; now we are here for you. 54:27.759 --> 54:30.755 President Trump said this morning, in his words, 54:30.755 --> 54:33.633 America's veterans are this country's greatest 54:33.633 --> 54:35.133 national treasure. 54:36.221 --> 54:39.205 He said your the best role models for our youngest citizens, 54:39.205 --> 54:43.372 a constant reminder of all that's good, decent, and brave. 54:46.032 --> 54:49.782 And to you I say, no truer words were spoken. 54:53.387 --> 54:55.463 This is the land of the free, 54:55.463 --> 54:57.224 because it's still the home of the brave, 54:57.224 --> 55:00.307 and you, our veterans, are our brave. 55:03.432 --> 55:05.682 (applause) 55:11.759 --> 55:12.784 You stepped forward. 55:12.784 --> 55:15.113 You counted our lives more important than yours, 55:15.113 --> 55:18.696 and we thank God, who as the psalmist says, 55:19.771 --> 55:22.021 trained your hands for war, 55:22.350 --> 55:24.770 gave you the strength to advance against a troop, 55:24.770 --> 55:28.853 but also brought you home safe to your loved ones 55:30.249 --> 55:32.082 and a grateful nation. 55:33.198 --> 55:35.583 In his proclamation for this Veterans Day, 55:35.583 --> 55:37.233 President Trump called upon every American 55:37.233 --> 55:39.486 to recognize the fortitude and sacrifice 55:39.486 --> 55:43.653 of our veterans, but let me, let me add one challenge, 55:45.943 --> 55:50.110 especially to my fellow countrymen who did not serve 55:51.039 --> 55:54.456 in the Armed Forces of the United States. 55:55.491 --> 55:59.074 Before this day is out, at home or at work, 56:00.956 --> 56:04.706 on a street corner, or over a backyard fence, 56:07.623 --> 56:10.873 whether they came home in the last week 56:10.968 --> 56:14.218 or in the last century, find a veteran. 56:16.589 --> 56:20.603 Extend your hand, and say those words they never asked 56:20.603 --> 56:23.853 to hear, but deserve to hear every day. 56:26.079 --> 56:30.246 To my fellow Americans, I say find a veteran today, 56:32.963 --> 56:35.880 and say thank you for your service. 56:37.498 --> 56:39.915 Thank them for their courage. 56:40.286 --> 56:42.619 Thank them for your freedom, 56:43.792 --> 56:45.552 and thank them for doing their part 56:45.552 --> 56:49.052 to preserve this last, best hope of earth, 56:50.540 --> 56:53.207 for ourselves and our posterity. 56:56.377 --> 57:00.210 To our veterans, on behalf of the President of 57:00.316 --> 57:03.611 the United States and a grateful nation, 57:03.611 --> 57:06.361 I say thank you for your service. 57:09.753 --> 57:12.753 May God bless you and your families. 57:13.091 --> 57:17.258 May God bless all those who this day wear the uniform 57:17.907 --> 57:21.740 and stand ready, and may God continue to bless 57:22.030 --> 57:24.447 the United States of America. 57:25.391 --> 57:27.641 (applause) 57:52.590 --> 57:55.162 - Ladies and Gentlemen, please rise and join 57:55.162 --> 57:57.805 the United States Air Force Band in singing 57:57.805 --> 57:59.305 God Bless America. 58:01.909 --> 58:04.992 (orchestral fanfare) 58:14.482 --> 58:17.482 ♫ God bless America 58:19.330 --> 58:22.247 ♫ Land that I love 58:23.674 --> 58:27.757 ♫ Stand beside her and guide her 58:28.759 --> 58:32.926 ♫ Through the night with a light from above 58:33.881 --> 58:38.048 ♫ From the mountains to the prairies 58:39.218 --> 58:43.218 ♫ To the oceans white with foam 58:45.050 --> 58:49.217 ♫ God bless America, my home sweet home 58:54.565 --> 58:58.732 ♫ God bless America, my home sweet home 59:05.190 --> 59:08.190 ♫ God bless America 59:09.810 --> 59:12.727 ♫ Land that I love 59:14.379 --> 59:18.462 ♫ Stand beside her and guide her 59:19.497 --> 59:23.664 ♫ Through the night with a light from above 59:24.320 --> 59:28.487 ♫ From the mountains to the prairies 59:29.517 --> 59:33.517 ♫ To the oceans white with foam 59:35.451 --> 59:39.618 ♫ God bless America, my home sweet home 59:45.633 --> 59:49.800 ♫ God bless America, my home sweet home 01:00:06.130 --> 01:00:08.380 (applause) 01:00:15.013 --> 01:00:16.960 - Ladies and gentlemen, please remain standing 01:00:16.960 --> 01:00:18.960 as we retire the colors. 01:00:22.024 --> 01:00:23.524 Retire the colors! 01:00:26.054 --> 01:00:28.637 (upbeat march) 01:03:09.505 --> 01:03:13.672 This concludes the 2017 National Veterans Day observance. 01:03:13.953 --> 01:03:15.824 Please be seated for the departure 01:03:15.824 --> 01:03:18.105 of the Vice President of the United States 01:03:18.105 --> 01:03:19.802 and the official party. 01:03:19.802 --> 01:03:23.323 Thank you for joining us today as we celebrate 01:03:23.323 --> 01:03:24.914 and honor all who served. 01:03:24.914 --> 01:03:27.497 (upbeat march) 01:05:38.383 --> 01:05:41.966 (indistinct conversations)