For Release: Nov. 10, 2006
Contact: J. Tucker Martin or David Clementson
Email: tucker.martin@oag.state.va.us or dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071
Statement of Attorney General Bob McDonnell on Veterans Day
A famous quote states: “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” Tomorrow, we honor those who have served so bravely in defense of this land of the free.
Throughout history, from the North African coast to the swamps of Cuba; from the sands of Normandy to the frozen hills of Korea; through the jungles of Vietnam and now into the mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts of the Middle East, brave men and women have left safe homes and pleasant lives to defend and advance this nation. They have courageously combated tyranny and oppression to bring freedom to others. Our nation owes these men and women a tremendous debt of gratitude.
When I think of those who have served I think of two important individuals in my life. My father served in Europe during World War II. Two generations later his granddaughter, my daughter Jeanine, served as a platoon leader in Baghdad. As a retired Army officer myself, I salute the millions of Americans who have so bravely served, and who by defending our rights and freedoms have given life to our Constitution.
Tomorrow, on Veteran’s Day, I urge my fellow Virginians to thank those who are serving or who have served. It is all too easy to forget to say thank you to the men and women in uniform for their sacrifices for our nation. Today our nation is at war. As you read this email our fellow Americans are serving in harm’s way. Tomorrow, let us pay tribute to those who have come before, let us remember those who sadly never returned, and let us pray for those who are overseas right now, bravely defending this “land of the free.”
