Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta's Independence Day Message

 “On this Independence Day, I would like to extend my gratitude and best wishes to our entire military family:  our men and women in uniform who serve around the world, and their families, and our Department of Defense civilians who support them, and their families.  On this day, we honor all of you for your service and the many sacrifices you make to defend our freedom.

 “While many Americans will spend this holiday with family and friends enjoying summer weather, fireworks, and outdoor barbeques, others will be on the front lines defending our country.  Today, in particular, the American people pay tribute to those of you deployed overseas for your strength, your courage, and your willingness to put your lives on the line to protect this country.

 “It was 236 years ago that our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence.  Since then, succeeding generations of Americans have stepped forward to safeguard the liberties that our founders fought to give us.  That was true 200 years ago during the War of 1812, when we first defended our young nation from attack, and has remained true whenever freedom has been threatened in the generations since.

 “Today, our brave men and women in uniform continue to protect our freedoms that were first outlined in that Declaration.  They serve our nation proudly and they are willing to put their lives on the line so that our children can have a better future.

 “As we celebrate the birth of our nation, it is a time for our leaders and every American to recognize that the blessings of freedom we enjoy are not free -- they come from a legacy of sacrifice, courage, and leadership.  That legacy is now our responsibility to fulfill -- so that our children can enjoy a better life.

 “May God bless you, may God bless our military, and may God bless this great nation.”

Independence Day message from the Adjutant General of Wisconsin

On Wednesday, we celebrate the 236th anniversary of our nation's Declaration of Independence. An extraordinary confluence of events led our forbearers to tell the most powerful king on earth that we were, and of right ought to be, free and independent states. They then called on our militia and our newly formed Army, Navy and Marine Corps - who, under the leadership of George Washington, backed up our declaration and established our republic. What a gift. What a legacy. What a heritage.

We are the National Guard - we were there in 1776 and we remain today - always ready and always there. May God continue to bless our nation and the people we are privileged to serve.

Sincerely,

 Donald P. Dunbar

 Major General

 Wisconsin National Guard

 The Adjutant General

Panetta Urges Nation to Remember Fallen Troops on Memorial Day

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 28, 2012 – In his Memorial Day message, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta urged Americans to remember and honor the sacrifice of U.S. service members who died in the nation’s wars.

“For many Americans, Memorial Day is a welcome break from work, a time for outdoor barbeques or a day at the beach,” Panetta said. “But today is, above all, an opportunity for Americans to come together and pay tribute to all those who have fought and died in defense of our freedom.”

“It is a day to reflect on the service and sacrifice of these heroes, and to honor those American families for whom Memorial Day is another day of longing for their loved ones,” he said.

This Memorial Day, Panetta said, the American people pay particular tribute to the generation who stepped forward after the 9-11 attacks and volunteered to put their lives on the line in far-off lands to protect our nation.

“Today, we remember the more than 6,400 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and coast guardsmen who have paid the ultimate price for us to live in safety over the last ten years of war,” the secretary said. “They, and their families, have paid a heavy price so that we could be more secure, but because of their sacrifice the torch of freedom burns bright.”

Panetta said since taking his current position as defense secretary he’s written hundreds of letters of condolence to the families of the fallen and described it as “the hardest part” of his job.

“There are no words that can heal, no sentences that can lessen that loss,” he said. “I keep the fallen and their families in my heart and in my prayers, and I tell those families that their loved one died to give their fellow Americans a better life.”

“[This] is the price they paid for us,” Panetta added. “Let us never forget them and what they have done for this country.”

The secretary noted the country must reaffirm its commitment to fallen troops and their families for their sacrifices.

“As we emerge from a decade of war, we must renew our pledge on this Memorial Day to do all we can to ensure that the sacrifices of our service members and their families are honored, and that those who fell in battle are remembered,” Panetta said. “They fought for us.”

“Our duty is to fight to make sure they are never forgotten,” he said. “As Americans, that must be our charge and our sacred mission not just on Memorial Day, but every day.”

Memorial Day message from the Adjutant General of Wisconsin

Gov. Scott Walker, our commander in chief and a history buff, has often recalled the patriotism, devotion and sacrifice of Wisconsin residents in the early years of her statehood, when more than 90,000 volunteered to fight for the preservation of the union in the Civil War.

Wisconsin Soldiers took part in some of the most decisive campaigns of that conflict. The Iron Brigade - which included the 2nd, 6th and 7th Wisconsin Regiments - distinguished itself at the Battle of Antietam 150 years ago this September. Over 23,000 soldiers lost their lives in the single bloodiest day of fighting in U.S. combat history. The Iron Brigade entered the Battle of Antietam with approximately 800 troops, and suffered 343 casualties that day in some of the heaviest fighting against Confederate forces. This is but one chapter of Wisconsin's legacy of service to our nation.

Throughout our history, Wisconsin has always responded to our nation's call. Many have paid the ultimate price. It is with somber reflection that we remember all fallen service members on Memorial Day.

Sincerely,

Donald P. Dunbar

Major General (WI)

Wisconsin National Guard

The Adjutant General

Panetta: King Renewed Promise of America’s Dream

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2012 – In anticipation of the nation’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance Jan. 16, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has issued a message to members of the Defense Department outlining his personal view of the slain civil rights leader’s impact on America.

Here is the text of the secretary’s message:

“My career in public service began more than 40 years ago at the height of the civil rights movement. As a legislative assistant in the U.S. Senate, I worked on landmark civil rights legislation and as director of the U.S. Office for Civil Rights, I had the responsibility to enforce those laws.

“At that time, I saw how one man, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., could make a difference. He did so by challenging his fellow citizens to reflect on what it means to be American. Faced with opposition, he did not threaten violence, but rather gained strength from the truth of his convictions. His powerful ideas and lyrical words compelled our nation to live by its founding principle: that we are born with equal rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

“In the end, he changed not only the law of our land, but also struck a note for freedom that still resonates in the hearts and minds of the American people and the entire world. That’s a legacy worth celebrating.

“Dr. King renewed the promise of America’s dream. His example inspired a movement for our country to reclaim its fundamental pledge -- so that we might live as one nation, with liberty and justice for all. Every man and woman at the Department of Defense should strive to uphold these fundamental ideals.

“One of my proudest moments was the opportunity to meet Dr. King and years later, as a congressman, to cast my vote to set aside a day dedicated to Dr. King’s memory. This weekend, I hope each of you will think about just how much this one man’s life and accomplishments have meant to our country. The nation we work so hard to protect is a better place because of him. In fighting for equal justice, he was fighting for all of us.”

Thanksgiving Message

As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta

For the past 10 Thanksgivings, our nation has been at war.  For 10 Thanksgivings, our troops have been deployed to the battle zones and around the world, defending our freedom and putting their lives on the line.

We are thankful for your service and for your steadfast commitment to keeping all of us safe.  Our thoughts and prayers will also be with your families, whose love, support and sacrifice are essential to your success.

I know that this can be a difficult time for service members and their loved ones who must spend it apart from each other.  To those deployed away from home, and to their families:  You are making a real difference every day and keeping our country strong and safe.

As all Americans pause to take stock of our blessings of freedom and liberty, I want you to know that we can only do so because of your willingness to bear the burden and hardship of providing for our security.

Throughout our history, America has faced serious challenges – economic, social, political and military crises.  This is one of those periods.  And yet, the spirit of the American people remains our greatest strength to overcome whatever crisis we confront.  That great spirit is reflected in you - our men and women in uniform.  Hopefully, your example of courage and bravery can inspire others to do the right thing.

On this Thanksgiving, as our nation remains at war, Sylvia and I join all of you in one simple prayer: Peace on Earth, and goodwill to all.  To all our service members and their families: Have a safe, healthy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Labor Day Message

As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta, The Pentagon, Tuesday, September 06, 2011

Labor Day is the day we pay tribute to the achievements of America’s workers, the backbone of our nation’s economic strength.  For most Americans, this holiday is a well deserved break from work, a time to celebrate with friends and family, a holiday that marks the end of summer, a final chance to fire up the backyard barbeque.  Of course, it also marks the beginning of another season of college football.

As the nation enjoys this holiday weekend, I want to remind all Department of Defense personnel who will be traveling to be safe.  Please celebrate responsibly, use good judgment, and make sound decisions while on the road and when you arrive at your holiday destination.  Our people are our most precious asset, and I want all of you to have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

For the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines deployed on the frontlines of America’s wars, Labor Day will be just another day spent in harm’s way, providing for our nation’s security.  It is because of your service that Americans can enjoy this and other holidays in safety and comfort.  My thoughts go out to you, and to all of our personnel who must spend this weekend away from loved ones.  America owes you a debt for your service in defense of the freedoms and liberties that are so precious to this nation.

I want to thank all of you for your willingness to serve a cause greater than yourselves, for your willingness to give something back to this country.  You are what makes this country great not just on Labor Day, but always.  God bless you all.

President Praises Troops During Independence Day Event

By Cheryl Pellerin

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 4, 2011 – Military service members attending the White House Independence Day celebration represent the latest in a long line of heroes who have served the United States with honor and sacrificed much to protect the freedoms all Americans enjoy, President Barack Obama said here today.

“I cannot think of anybody I would rather celebrate with than all of you,” the president said, “the men and women of our military and our extraordinary military families.”

Obama and his wife and children hosted a traditional Fourth of July celebration for members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. About 1,200 service members and their families attended the White House event, which included a barbeque, a USO show featuring Train and Amos Lee and a viewing of the national capital fireworks.

“After all that you do for our country every day, we wanted to give you a chance to get out of uniform, relax a little bit and have some fun,” Obama told the troops. “But of course it’s also a time for us to reflect on the meaning of America.”

The small band of patriots who signed the Declaration of Independence might be surprised to see their legacy, Obama said, including a nation that’s led revolutions in commerce, sent people to the moon, lifted up the poor, cured the sick, fought for democracy and served as a beacon of hope around the world.

“All this could only happen because of our founders’ central faith that through democracy and individual rights ordinary people have it within their means to forge a nation that’s more just and more equal and more free,” Obama said.

Every service member is heir to that legacy, the president added, introducing five heroes, one from each service.

While on patrol in Iraq, Army Sgt. 1st Class Justin Gang’s convoy was struck by a roadside bomb and fell under enemy fire, Obama said.

“Even after being wounded by shrapnel himself, he helped secure the scene and evacuate his wounded comrades to safety and today we honor his extraordinary courage,” he added.

Nigeria-born Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Obi Nwagwu, a hospital corpsman, became an American citizen and volunteered to serve in the U.S. military.

“As an orthopedic technician, he helps our wounded warriors regain their strength and resume their lives back home,” Obama said. “Today we honor his incredible dedication.”

Whether it’s partnering with the Iraqi army or making sure our troops have shelter in some of the toughest places on the planet, Obama said, Air Force Master Sgt. Heather Adkins “knows how to get things done and today we honor her tireless devotion.”

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Robert “Keith” Kesterson rushed through enemy fire to free a fellow Marine trapped inside a burning vehicle, the president said.

“After untangling the Marine’s equipment, he extinguished the flames and pulled him to safety, and today we honor his unyielding loyalty,” Obama added.

Less than 24 hours after the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the president said, Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Marlene Riklon was on the scene helping direct aid and save lives in the midst of chaos.

Today, Obama said, “we honor her incredible dedication.”

These patriots and their fellow service members, the president said, are the reason why America and its armed forces “remain the greatest force for peace and security that the world has ever known.”

Together, he added, “you’re standing with all of those throughout the world who are reaching for the same freedoms and the same liberties that we celebrate today.”