Panetta: Election Over, Mission Remains

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2012 – With the 2012 presidential election concluded, the Defense Department continues to be “squarely focused” on the mission of national defense, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta wrote today in a message addressed to the department’s military and civilian workforce.

The message reads:

“This week, millions of Americans exercised their most important responsibility as citizens and participated in the electoral process.

“Throughout the campaign season, we at the Department of Defense have been squarely focused on our mission of defending the nation. Now that the campaign is over, we will stay just as focused on that critical mission.

“America's elected leaders, in turn, now have the responsibility to do everything possible to ensure that we succeed in our mission.

“As the country moves beyond the 2012 election, DOD personnel should take heart in one thing that will always unite the American people, and that is their strong support for the millions of men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line to defend and keep our country safe.

“Let us renew our pledge as a Department to keep fighting for a safer and stronger future for the United States, and to ensure this always remains a government of, by, and for all people.”