The Congress shall have Power To provide for the common Defence  ...
To raise and support Armies ...
To provide and maintain a Navy;
To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;

-- The Constitution of the United States
    September 17, 1787

Ever since members of the Continental Army and Navy fought to secure our liberty from Great Britain, citizens of the United States have owed a huge debt of gratitude to our military veterans.  And every November 11, on Veterans Day, we have both the opportunity and the duty to honor veterans of every conflict which has drawn upon the strength of our American Fighting Forces. 

From the Halls of Montezuma, to the streets of Baghdad; from the muddy trenches of WWI and WWII to the barren mountain tops of Afghanistan, members of the United States Military have fought tirelessly to protect our freedoms, our families, and our way of life.

While we can never repay the debt, we can certainly let these brave men and women know how much we appreciate their service, their valor and their dedication.

This Veterans Day, take the time to seek out a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine or Coast Guardsman – whether they are members of your family or a total stranger in a military uniform – and thank them for their service.

For all they have done, for all they have sacrificed:

“Thank you”