President Thanks Veterans for Service to Country

By Melinda L. Larson
American Forces Press Service

Nov. 10, 2007 - President Bush thanked America's veterans and wished the Marine Corps a happy 232nd birthday during his weekly radio address today. "Young Marines are serving on the front lines in the war on terror in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world," Bush said from his ranch near Crawford, Texas. "As the Marines celebrate their birthday, we join them in recognizing what their sacrifice and service has meant for our freedom."

Veterans Day is observed the day after the Marine Corps birthday, and the president not only thanked Marines, but all veterans.

"America owes a debt of gratitude to all those who have served in our armed forces," the nation's commander in chief said. "On Veterans Day, we remember those who have served in previous wars, those who are serving today, and those who did not live to become veterans."

Bush added that the United States is responsible for taking care of those who have served their country.

"Under my administration, federal spending for our veterans has increased by more than two-thirds. We have extended medical treatment to a million additional veterans, including hundreds of thousands returning from Afghanistan and Iraq, and we have expanded grants to help homeless veterans across the country."

Bush reminded Americans to thank veterans across the nation who, while from diverse backgrounds, are united by their mission to keep America free.

"On this Veterans Day, I urge every American to take time to thank one of our nation's 24 million veterans. They come from different generations and different backgrounds, but they are united by a commitment to honor, duty and love of country that has kept America free. They continue to strengthen and inspire our nation, and we will never forget what we owe them."