Face of Defense: Soldiers Discuss Service, Veterans Day

By Army Staff Sgt. Tina Villalobos, 301st Public Affairs Detachment DoD News Features, Defense Media Activity

HOHENFELS, Germany, November 9, 2015 — Although World War I officially ended June 28, 1919, the fighting had stopped several months earlier, when “an armistice … between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month."

U.S. President Woodrow Wilson declared Nov. 11 as Armistice Day, according to the Veterans Administration. Through legislation passed June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became Veterans Day -- a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Since the 9/11 attacks against America, many U.S. service members have become seasoned warriors, some with multiple deployments under their belts. Many troops have chosen to continue their service in the military.

Camaraderie

"The greatest thing about the Army is the camaraderie," said Spc. Judy Mera Rosa, an unmanned aerial vehicle operator, and self-described "military brat" with 10th Engineers Brigade, Headquarters and Headquarters Company. "Camaraderie is what it's all about, because if you don't have it, it is just another 9-5 [job]."

Although her father is a retired Army major, Rosa made the decision to join on her own.

"My father definitely talked me through it. He shared what he knows and gave me whatever advice he saw fit," Rosa said. "The Army has helped me grow as a person. I like the structure. The Army gave me some direction and purpose. I have learned more about who I can be for other people, rather than just who I am for myself."

Some troops have a family legacy of military service. Others bravely blaze a new trail and join the military seeking new challenges and an opportunity to improve their lives.

Army Sgt. Charles Roseboro, a combat engineer with 10th Engineers Brigade, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, from Charlotte, North Carolina, is the first in his family to ever serve in the military. As one of six siblings, Roseboro wanted to set a good example for his younger siblings.

"One of the biggest reasons why I joined the military is because I just felt like I was stuck in time. Sometimes you need to be taken out of your element to actually work on yourself," Roseboro said. "By serving in the Army, my family can see me doing something a little different than the norm. It's good for my brothers and sisters to see. There are six of us; we range in age from 14 to 25."

Saluting Veterans’ Sacrifices

Roseboro said the significance of Veterans Day is clear to him.

"Veteran's Day is a day that we can sit back and think of the people who have gone overseas and fought wars for many decades for our country, and in some cases died -- much thanks to those before me," he said.

Roseboro said he’s grown as a person since he joined the Army.

"I've learned a lot about different cultures, and how people live, and how people value certain things in life," he said. "When I was in Afghanistan, I would always see this guy at 7:30 in the morning, herding his sheep from one field to another to keep them healthy and give them exercise. I felt like that was something so good, but also so disciplined, because he did it at the same time every morning. I noticed the dedication that he had for his family.”

Roseboro added, “I am a different person since I joined the Army. I have started [earning] a college degree and I have become more professional."

President Barack Obama spoke of the sacrifices of the nation’s veterans and their families in his 2015 Veterans Day Proclamation.

"On Veterans Day, we reflect on the immeasurable burdens borne by so few in the name of so many, and we rededicate ourselves to supporting those who have worn America's uniform and the families who stand alongside them," Obama said in his proclamation.

Soldiers’ Personal Sacrifices

Rosa's husband is also a soldier, but stationed elsewhere.

"Most definitely, being away from my husband is my biggest sacrifice," Rosa said. "We joined the Army together. We've been apart for basic training, Advanced Individual Training, and then the last two rotations. We are getting through it -- but I miss him and I want to be in the same room with him."

Most soldiers find their own means of coping with the necessary sacrifices. Roseboro said he stays focused on his mission and big-picture outcomes.

"The greatest sacrifices I make being in the military are being away from my 9-month-old son and being away from my family," he said. "What kind of evens me out is knowing that I am in a state of bettering myself. At a certain point, when it is time for me to hang up my uniform, I have done the best I can to provide for my family and show them a better route in life."

Roseboro appreciates the benefits of military service and he encouraged other young men and women to follow his lead.

"I would tell any young woman or young man considering joining the Army -- ‘Do it!’" he said. "Go get a college education. There are so many benefits that come with the military -- go travel the world. You don't have to do 20 years; you can just do one contract.

“There are so many benefits, [including] as the G.I. Bill,” Roseboro continued. “You will always be a soldier. So, once you get out and you're looking for a job as a civilian, you'll network with those battle buddies and they can help you out."

Honoring, Supporting America’s Veterans

The President's proclamation highlighted the importance of honoring and caring for the nation’s veterans.

"Our true strength as a Nation is measured by how we take care of our veterans when they return home," Obama said.

"Our veterans left everything they knew and loved and served with exemplary dedication and courage so we could all know a safer America and a more just world,” the president continued. “They have been tested in ways the rest of us may never fully understand, and it is our duty to fulfill our sacred obligation to our veterans and their families.”

Obama added, “On Veterans Day, and every day, let us show them the extraordinary gratitude they so rightly deserve, and let us recommit to pledging our full support for them in all they do."

DCoE Staff Gives Thanks During the Holidays

By Robyn Mincher, DCoE Strategic Communications

Our staff at Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) celebrated Thanksgiving in many ways. Some traveled out of town to be with friends and family, some stayed local to cook for those who couldn’t be with family, and a few enjoyed some much-deserved peace and solitude.

No matter where or how we spent the holiday, all of us are definitely thankful for one major thing: the chance to share with you – our readers! This month we introduced new resources for prevention, resilience and treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and psychological health concerns.

We talked about new gizmos and gadgets from National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2), like the PE Coach mobile app. Although it isn’t released to the public yet, it will help providers treat psychological health concerns of service members through prolonged exposure and help users self-monitor their behavior. We also blogged about the new T2 Technology Enhancement Center, a state-of-the-art usability lab that tests technology products to make sure they’re easy for service members to use.

Military children received a big “thank you!” (and a few high fives from their favorite characters from Sesame Street and The Electric Company) at the Sesame Workshop Military Family Event Nov. 5. New resources that encourage families to connect and communicate with each other, and have fun, were unveiled at the event. For an overview of the new website Military Families Near and Far and Feel Electric! mobile app, we provided 10 ways families can create, communicate and stay connected. Like our page on Facebook to check out our picture album of the event.

We appreciate the sacrifices our military families make, especially during holidays apart from loved ones. Our November webinar discussed how to cope with stress and stay connected during the holidays. Dr. Vladimir Nacev, DCoE, Resilience and Prevention directorate, was joined by Mary Campise, Defense Department, Office of Military Community and Family Policy, and Maggie MacFarland Phillips, Fort Hood Health Promotion. They discussed ways to mitigate emotional stress during the holidays and how families can connect despite being apart.

On Veterans Day, we thanked those who served our nation in a blog post by Navy Capt. Paul S. Hammer, DCoE director. In the post, he shared his thoughts on what the holiday means:

“When I think of Veterans Day, I think of service—service to country, service to my fellow sailors and Marines, as well as my colleagues throughout the military.”

Veterans Day was a topic in a DoDLive bloggers roundtable on Nov. 8, where Real Warriors Campaign Army veteran Maj. Ed Pulido was joined by Dr. Mark Bates, DCoE, Resilience and Prevention directorate director, and Army Maj. Todd Yosick, Resilience and Prevention directorate deputy director, to share information and resources available for those experiencing psychological and physical wounds of war.

While another Thanksgiving has passed and Christmas is right around the corner, DCoE continues to appreciate our readers – and will continue supporting service members, veterans, families and providers during this holiday season.

Now it’s your turn - what are you thankful for?

'Magic' Johnson helps FITC Lieutenant Propose at Carrier Classic

By Lt. Scott Cunningham, Center for Information Dominance Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- While thousands of people were watching the inaugural Quicken Loans Carrier Classic aboard the USS Carl Vinson (CV 70), Nov. 11, one couple only had eyes for each other.

On a pleasant, November evening on Veteran's Day, a few thousand service members gathered on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson to watch an NCAA, Division I basketball game between the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and the Michigan State Spartans. One of the country's most well-known basketball fans, President Barack Obama, was there to enjoy the game as well.

As basketballs and collegiate athletes flew though the air, love was in the air as well and Navy Lt. Wil Whiteman, an instructor at Fleet Intelligence Training Command, in San Diego, seized the opportunity, to propose to his long-time girlfriend, Tara Dilworth.

He recruited the help of former Lakers celebrity and basketball great, Earvin 'Magic' Johnson to be his wingman while he took on this most important mission.

Johnson, a Michigan State alumnus, took a few moments away from the game and kneeled down alongside Whiteman while he popped the question.

When Dilworth, a former Hofstra University basketball star in her own right said "yes," it proved to be an unforgettable day for the couple and yet another memorable assist for the storied point guard.

Whiteman, who has been decorated throughout his distinguished 17-year military career including earning two Purple Hearts, was happy to adorn the woman who had supported him through injuries sustained in Iraq with a shiny accessory of her own.

After being posted on YouTube, the proposal was picked up by various media outlets, which included Sports Illustrated and the San Diego NBC news affiliate.

Despite being raised in the Chicago area and growing up as a die-hard Michael Jordan fan, Whiteman now has a new affinity for 'Magic' Johnson, who selflessly contributed to what will surely remain as a great moment in the young couple's long relationship.

CID is the Navy's learning center that leads, manages, and delivers Navy and joint force training in Information Operations, Information Technology, Cryptology and Intelligence.

With a staff of nearly 1,300 military, civilian and contracted staff members, CID Corry Station oversees the development and administration of more than 168 courses at four commands, two detachments and 16 learning sites throughout the United States and in Japan. CID Corry Station provides training for approximately 24,000 members of the U.S. Armed Services and allied forces each year.

USS Boone Completes Final Underway with NYC Patriotic Showing

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Jacob Sippel, Navy Public Affairs Support Element-East, Detachment Southeast

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- USS Boone (FFG 28) returned to its Naval Station (NAVSTA) Mayport homeport for the final time, Nov. 17, following a 10-day underway which included a visit to New York City.

Boone is scheduled to be decommissioned Feb. 23, 2012.

The visit to New York coincided with the city's Veterans Day festivities which included a remembrance and celebration at Citi Pond at Bryant Park and a Veterans Day Parade.

More than 400 Sailors and veterans from all branches of the military service participated in the parade that began at Madison Square Park Nov. 11. They marched up New York City's famed Fifth Avenue, while 600,000 spectators watched the festivities along the route.

"Visiting New York City this Veterans Day was a great privilege and honor for us. There was no better way we could have spent Veterans Day than celebrating with those who have served and given so much of their lives to defend this great nation of ours," said Cmdr. Roy Love, Boone commanding officer. "Marching in the parade alongside the veterans and all those serving on active duty from every service was an unforgettable experience. Being surrounded by New Yorkers who were cheering, praising, and thanking the veterans and Armed Forces was exhilarating. You could feel your heart beating in your chest, and the pride and joy well up deep within and come bursting out in loud cheers that harmonized with those of the crowd. What an exciting moment for all of us!"

The U.S. Navy, for the first time since the parade was founded in 1919, was this year's featured armed service. Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, served as the parade's Grand Marshal. Navy Band Northeast and the U.S. Naval Academy Women's Glee Club performed throughout the day. The parade theme this year was, "The 10th Anniversary of the Response to Sept. 11."

Boone, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate, had more than 200 Sailors participating in the ceremonies.

Along with the celebrations at Citi Pond and 5th Avenue, Boone Sailors participated in other patriotic-themed military appreciation events.

Quartermaster 2nd Class (SW) Anthony Banaszek, who was invited to attend the taping of the David Letterman Show, said it was an experience he'll never forget.

"The hospitality shown to us at the Letterman Show was fantastic. Upon arrival we were invited to the entrance where the celebrity guests for the show were. We witnessed the guests come in and we were given VIP passes into the show," said Banaszek. "The show itself was awesome and so funny. Everyone involved in the show was very supportive of us and then brought us down to the stage afterwards to take pictures. It was absolutely unforgettable."

On Nov. 12, Navy League New York Council members hosted a hoagie meal for Boone Sailors. Later, Boone reciprocated holding a reception on the flight deck with more than 200 invitees providing an opportunity for the crew to show their appreciation for the city's support.

"We were honored and humbled to be part of such a wonderful event," said Ehren Baxter, of Jersey City, N. J. "Last night (Nov. 12) was a once and a lifetime opportunity for us and we are so grateful that USS Boone included us in their ship's celebration. Taking the tour, meeting the officers and crew while celebrating such an important holiday was an amazing experience. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything."

"We hosted more than 250 people on board throughout the Veterans Day weekend. It was a once and a lifetime opportunity for visitors from New York City to visit the ship and the Sailors enjoyed every bit of it," said Lt. Jason Lautar, Boone's operation's officer. "One of the best things about the tours and reception were the New York Police Department (NYPD) guests. The police officers and detectives were fantastic hosts and guests at the same time. They represented more than half of the tour guests and it was a pleasure to meet all of them. We had Sailors volunteering to give tours and walk them through the ship. It gave us an opportunity to let them see for themselves what it is like to live on board a U.S. warship. They have done so much for New York City and we just wanted to show our appreciation to them as well by allowing their families and friends on board."

The ship was open to the public at Staten Island's Homeport Pier throughout Veterans Day weekend allowing the Boone crew to demonstrate their mission capabilities and underway-living conditions.

"Our interaction with the pier detail officers of the NYPD was an amazing experience," said Electronic's Technician 2nd Class (PJ) Michael Loftus. "We gave personal tours, traded hats, shirts, coins, patches and of course stories. We all sacrifice the same for this country but in different capacities and they treated us like their own. I was honored to have them on board and share a brotherhood that seemed to exist from the minute we moored to the pier. "

The Veterans Day weekend concluded with Boone and other local Sailors participating in a pre-game ceremony honoring them during the New York Jets and New England Patriots football game Sunday night. During this time, service members from all United States military branches unfurled a giant American flag during the national anthem.

"The entire experience was phenomenal," stated Lt. Jeffrey Carideo, from Holliston, Mass. whose father, William, was aboard the ship for the Tiger Cruise back to Mayport. "I felt honored to be a part of the flag ceremony with fellow military members from all branches."

Boone recently completed a six-month deployment in support of Southern Seas 2011 and counter illicit trafficking operations in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility, during which the Boone team circled the South American continent and made 18 port visits. The ship also transited the Straits of Magellan, Panama Canal and visited seven countries while participating in major multinational exercises including both Pacific and Atlantic phases of UNITAS.

Korean War Vets Honored on First ‘Valor Flight’

Don’t let their sacrifices be forgotten! See the Korean War books where the real Korean War veterans tell you their story.

By Amanda Burke

Special to American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2011 – More than 100 Korean War veterans from Alabama traveled here on Veterans Day weekend to visit the Korean War Memorial in the first trip of its kind.

The nonprofit organization Valor Flight sponsored the trip to grant the veterans’ wishes to visit the memorial. This was the first trip that the organization has sponsored.

During the day of honor and remembrance, the veterans toured the Korean War Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, the Iwo Jima Memorial and other famous sites.

At the Iwo Jima Memorial, Navy Cmdr. John O’Brien, member of the Department of Defense 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Committee, awarded each of the veterans with a certificate of appreciation signed by Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta in honor of their service during the Korean War.

“Your country has not forgotten your sacrifice. Your utter selflessness has made possible the freedom and prosperity we enjoy today,” O’Brien said.

The Valor Flight program is modeled on the Honor Flight program that takes World War II veterans on day-long trips to the nation's capital. Valor Flight President Steve Celuch hopes to conduct another trip next spring.

“For our Korean War veterans, the men and women who served, it is critical that their sacrifices are not forgotten. This flight is one small way for us to say ‘thank you’ for their enormous contribution,” Celuch said.

The organization, which is based in Madison, Ala., seeks to recognize Korean War veterans for their service to the nation.

Obama Urges Nation to Serve Veterans Who Served

Begin by discovering the best military books in which America’s veterans tell you their own stories.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2011 – President Barack Obama taped his weekly radio address, released today, from the bridge of the USS Carl Vinson in San Diego, praising the men and women and uniform and underscoring the nation’s commitment to them and all veterans.

The president, who traveled to the ship yesterday to meet with the crew and enjoy “one of the most unique college basketball games I’ve ever seen” with them, said Veterans Day isn’t just about thanking veterans.

“It’s about rededicating ourselves to serving our veterans as well as they’ve served us,” he said. “And right now, that’s more important than ever.”

Obama noted his announcement last month to end the war in Iraq by the year’s end, just in time for military families to welcome home their loved ones for the holidays.

In the meantime, the U.S. mission in Afghanistan is beginning to wind down.

That means that within the next five years, more than 1 million service members will transition back into civilian life, he said, joining the 3 million who already have done so over the last decade.

Although many have served with distinction in some of the most dangerous places on the planet, he said many face new challenges when they leave the military.

“Today, more than 850,000 veterans remain unemployed. And too many are struggling to find a job worthy of their talents and experience,” he said.

“That’s not right,” the president continued. “We ask these men and women to leave their families and their jobs and risk their lives to fight for our country. The last thing they should have to do is fight for a job when they get home.”

To give our veterans the opportunities they’ve earned, the president said he’s directed the federal government to lead by example. Noting that it has hired 120,000 additional veterans, Obama said he has challenged private companies to follow that lead by hiring or training 100,000 post-9/11 veterans or their spouses by the end of 2013.

While noting hirings already made and new pledges made, “we need to do more,” the president said. That, he said, includes passage of legislation to provide tax credits for employers who hire unemployed veterans or wounded warriors.

“As commander-in-chief, I want every veteran to know that America will always honor your service and your sacrifice – not just today, but every day,” the president concluded.

“And just as you fought for us, we’re going to keep fighting for you – for more jobs, for more security, for the opportunity to keep your families strong and America competitive in the 21st century.”

Obama Thanks Service Members, Vets During Carrier Classic

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON  – The commander-in-chief caught a basketball game along with more than 8,000 of his closest friends aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier in San Diego last night.

President Barack Obama and more than 8,000 sailors, Marines and veterans watched the kick-off of the National Collegiate Athletic Association college hoops season aboard the USS Carl Vinson.

The president began the day with a breakfast with veterans at the White House and officiated at the national tribute to veterans at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery, Va. He then flew to San Diego, where he attended the basketball game aboard the carrier before flying on to Hawaii to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference.

“The main reason we’re here is, on Veterans Day, we have an opportunity to say thank you,” Obama said to the crew and veterans aboard the carrier.

“One of the greatest privileges of this job, and one of the greatest responsibilities of this job, is to serve as your commander-in-chief. And I can tell you that every day when I interact with our military, every day when I interact with the men and women in uniform, I could not be prouder to be an American,” he said.

Now the country must serve veterans as well as they have served the country, the president said. “When they come home, part of the long line of those who defended our freedom, we have a sacred trust to make sure that they understand how much we appreciate what they do,” he told the crew.

“So to all our veterans, to all our men and women in uniform, we say thank you.”

But beyond that, Obama said Americans must understand the sacrifices service members and veterans have made and give them the opportunities they have earned. He noted initiatives already in place and others to come.

“We’ve put in place a series of reforms to help veterans, make sure they get the counseling and the job placement that they need,” the president said.

Obama touted the Joining Forces program led by his wife, Michelle, and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden. That effort has now gotten commitments from businesses to provide 100,000 jobs for veterans and military spouses all across the country.

“But every American citizen can make a solemn pledge today that they will find some opportunity to provide support to our troops, to those who are still active duty, to our National Guard, to our reservists and to our veterans,” Obama said.

The flight deck of USS Carl Vinson was an especially appropriate venue for last night’s basketball game. North Carolina and Michigan State – two storied NCAA teams – played on the same deck that launched some of the first sorties against Saddam Hussein’s Iraq and played a part in the mission to bring Osama bin Laden to justice.

Parts of the game were typical; basketball sportscaster Dick Vitale was on the mike, and UNC alumnus James Worthy and Michigan State great Earvin “Magic” Johnson attended. The crowd did the wave and followed the action intently.

But parts of the game were distinctly different. There was no beer in the stands -- the Navy is dry afloat -- and the action stopped to lower the U.S. flag at sunset. Sitting in the stands was former Army Spec. John Baca, who received the Medal of Honor for heroism in Vietnam in 1970.

North Carolina won the game 67-55.

Seabees Honor Fallen Hero

See the best Vietnam veteran books and learn about the courage and sacrifices from the heroes who fought in Vietnam.

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ryan Riley, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West NW Det.

GARDINER, Wash. (NNS) -- Sailors, veterans and family members gathered for a ceremony to honor the only Navy Seabee to ever receive the Medal of Honor at a Veterans Day ceremony at Gardiner Community Cemetery in Gardiner, Wash. Nov. 11.

The ceremony honored Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Marvin G. Shields who was attached to a Navy Seabee unit constructing an airstrip. He was killed in action in June 1965 in Dong Xaoi, Vietnam.

This year marks the 45th anniversary for the annual memorial service, which is coordinated by the Navy Seabee Veterans of America (NSVA).

"I am speechless by the number of people that would come out to do this," said Joan Shields-Bennett, surviving wife of Shields. "I am so proud of everybody. I am honored. I know that Marvin is honored, and I hope that we can keep doing this."

During the ceremony, veterans presented Shields' grave with a flower arrangement.

"The ceremony was very moving," said Devin Shermin, a resident in attendance. "It's refreshing to see that our heroes aren't forgotten."

Shields-Bennett said she was grateful to the Seabee community and stressed the importance of honoring service members.

"It isn't just he that should be honored today, but it is all the people who wear the uniform and wore the uniform. It's Veterans Day."

Shields was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 1966 by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson for gallantry during combat.

National Leaders Participate in Vets Day Events

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2011 – Today’s Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Veterans Day event highlighted ceremonies around the country honoring those who served in the armed forces.

President Barack Obama started the day hosting veterans at a White House breakfast in the East Room. Later in the day, he placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and spoke at the Arlington Memorial Amphitheatre.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, represented the Defense Department and U.S. military at the ceremony.

The president will move on to San Diego, where he will sit with sailors aboard the USS Carl Vinson for the Carrier Classic, the kick-off of the NCAA basketball season. The game will feature the University of North Carolina taking on Michigan State.

In New York, military leaders joined hundreds of thousands of spectators in one of the country’s oldest and largest Veterans Day parades. The parade commemorated the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the 100th anniversary of naval aviation.

Marine Sgt. Dakota Meyer, the nation's most recent Medal of Honor recipient, and Nicholas Oresko, the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient, joined the parade. Oresko, an Army veteran, received his award for actions during the Battle of the Bulge. He and Meyer were joined by four Vietnam veteran Medal of Honor recipients: Army Capt. Paul W. Bucha, Army Lt. Col. Bruce P. Crandall, Army Lt. Col. Alfred Rascon and Army 1st Lt. Brian Thacker.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno were among honorees at the New York parade.

Later today in New York, Vice President Joe Biden will speak at the unveiling of a statue entitled De Oppresso Liber – Free the Oppressed – the motto of Army Special Forces.

Commonly called the Horse Soldiers statue, it commemorates the bravery of Special Forces soldiers who first went into Afghanistan in 2001. The statue shows a Special Forces soldier riding an Afghan mountain pony. It will be displayed at the World Trade Center site.

Most cities and towns in the United States are remembering veterans on this 93rd anniversary of the armistice ending World War I. The guns stopped firing in Europe on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. The United States suffered 116,708 service members killed and another 205,690 wounded. Overall, the Great War was responsible for the deaths of more than 16.5 million people.

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Armistice Day in 1919.

                           

Although World War I was supposed to be the war to end all wars, it didn’t. In 1954, Congress enacted legislation changing the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

Local New London Children Thank Veterans for their Service to Nation

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine, Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- More than 500 children, service members, veterans, and families celebrated Veterans Day at Charles Barnum Elementary School, Nov. 10.

During the hour-long tribute to veterans in the elementary auditorium, children from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade shared their thanks through songs and essays about their military parents' service and all veterans' sacrifices for the freedom for all.

Capt. Bruce Derenski, commander, Submarine Group 2 representative at General Dynamics Electric Boat spoke at the tribute and discussed his 31 years of service, including a tour as an individual augmentee in Iraq.

"Veterans Day is really an important day to connect with people especially about what this day means, especially with children," said Derenski. "They have given up a lot."

Catherine Hanson, community coordinator, Charles Barnum Elementary School organized this year's Veterans Day tribute and explained her passion for recognizing veterans' service.

"I have a passion for supporting the military and their families," said Hanson.

The Charles Barnum Elementary School chorus also performed during the tribute singing "Thank a Vet." One verse in their song reflects the meaning of Veterans Day, "if you cherish your freedom and love America, thank a vet."

At various other schools in the region, Naval Submarine Base New London Sailors visited with students at Pleasant Valley, Mary Morrison and West Side Middle School.

Paul Kadri, superintendent, Groton Public Schools also attended the Elementary School's tribute and congratulated the school for remembering veterans' sacrifices to defend liberty especially since the majority of students have a parent serving in the military.

"The school has the highest concentration of military families, nearly 90 percent of the children have at least one parent serving in the military," said Kadri.

In addition to honoring veterans, Charles Barnum Elementary School had other reasons to celebrate. Kadri emphasized that for a second year in a row, the school has received 100 percent proficiency in state math exam for students enrolled in third through fifth grades. Kadri encouraged the students to continue their lifelong interest in education.

"Keep that love for reading and math going, you make us proud in Groton," said Kadri.

Kadri, one of several guest speakers, reminded the largely military related audience that veterans are also their mothers and fathers. "District-wide over 20 percent of the children have parents that serve in the military," Kadri said.

U.S. Coast Guard Storekeeper Richard Harris, company chief assigned to U.S. Coast Guard Academy said Veterans Day is like "Thanksgiving for the military."

Veterans Day began as Armistice Day to mark the victorious end of World War I, when the main hostilities were silenced at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

Obama Pays Tribute to America’s Veterans

See where Veterans Day started and check out the best World War One books written by real veterans!

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2011 – Once again the sound of “Taps” spilled over the hillside above the Tomb of the Unknowns as President Barack Obama placed a wreath honoring America’s veterans, here today.

The president spoke for the country in honoring veterans and service members on the 93rd anniversary of the armistice ending World War I.

Veterans Affairs Secretary retired Army Gen. Eric Shinseki, who introduced the president at the Memorial Amphitheatre, said no commander-in-chief has done more since President Franklin D. Roosevelt to care for and honor veterans.

On a bright and windy day, Obama took the rostrum and said the veterans of today are part of the thin line connecting American history. “Whether you fought in Salerno or Samara, Khe Sanh or the Korengal, you are part of an unbroken chain of men and women who have served this country with honor and distinction,” he said. “On behalf of a proud and grateful nation, we thank you.”

The president praised the newest generation of American veterans, noting that since 9/11, more than 3 million young Americans have raised their hands and become part of the armed forces. These men and women, the president said, stepped forward “knowing full well that they could be sent into harm’s way. And in that time, they have served in some of the world’s most dangerous places.”

And they have been effective, he said, citing examples. Their service in Iraq has given the country the chance for a democratic future. “In Afghanistan, they have pushed back the Taliban and decimated al-Qaida and delivered the ultimate justice to Osama bin-Laden,” he said. “In concert with our allies, they have helped end [Moammar] Gadhafi’s brutal dictatorship and returned Libya to its people.”

Their efforts mean the tide of war is receding, the president said. The mission in Iraq will end before the holidays, and withdrawal from Afghanistan has begun. “My fellow Americans, our troops are coming home,” Obama said.

These returning troops have not finished serving, the president said. They understand the American spirit that asks every citizen to play a role.

“So on this Veterans Day, let us commit ourselves to keep making sure that our veterans receive the care and benefits that they have earned, the opportunity they defend and deserve,” he said. “And above all, let us welcome them home as what they are: an integral, essential part of our American family.”

Obama called on business owners to hire veterans and community leaders to invite veterans in and make use of their talents. “Organize your community to make a sustained difference in the life of a veteran because that veteran can make an incredible difference in the life of your community,” the president said.

He urged veterans looking for new ways to serve America to go to www.serve.gov, and he urged all Americans to click on www.joiningforces.gov to find ways to support veterans and their families.

American service members have worked and fought in remote and dangerous places since 9/11, and now they are coming home, Obama continued. The country needs their service, “because after a decade of war, the nation we now need to build is our own,” he said.

Just as the World War II generation came home from war to build the largest middle class on Earth, “so now will the 9/11 generation play a pivotal role in rebuilding America's opportunity and prosperity in the 21st century,” he said.

This will not be easy, Obama said, and the nation must still deal with new threats. “We’ve got to overcome the cynical voices warning that America's best days are behind us,” he said. “Because if there is anything our veterans teach us, it’s that there is no threat we cannot meet, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.”

America’s best days are still ahead, the president said. “We are a country that does what is necessary for future generations to succeed,” he said. “You, our veterans, fight so our children won’t have to. We build and we invent and we learn so that we will know greater opportunity. America leads so that the next generation here and around the world will know a more hopeful life on this Earth.”