We observe Veterans Day in honor of all those that have served and in memory of all those that have paid the ultimate price. Ever since the Armistice of November 11, 1918, this has been a day to remember our debt to all who have proudly worn the uniform of the United States. No matter the branch of service, or how long one may have served, our veterans have carried the costs of America's wars and have stood watch over America's peace. We want every veteran and their families to be certain: The nation you served and the people you defended are grateful.

Today, more than 25 million Americans wear the proud title of veteran, or retired military. Their ranks include young men and women who gave good years to our all-volunteer military and recently returned to civilian life. Our veterans include almost 200 Americans who were in uniform when the guns of World War I went silent 93 years ago. All the men who served when Woodrow Wilson was the Commander- in-Chief are now more than 100-years-old, and they can know that America is still proud of them.

More than 4 million living Americans served in World War II, under the command of Eisenhower, Bradley and Nimitz, along with 11 million men and women from the conflicts of Korea and Vietnam, who earned this nation's gratitude and respect. Every veteran has his or her own story of entering military service. Many enlisted on Monday morning, December 8, 1941, and many returned to active duty September 12, 2001. For some, military life began with the initiation at an academy. For others, it began with a letter from the United States government. No matter how they got started, when their service is complete, veterans of every era, every background and every branch have certain things in common. Those shared commitments and experience form bonds that last a lifetime. Every veteran has lived by a strict code of discipline. Every veteran understands the meaning of personal accountability and loyalty and shared sacrifice. From the moment they stood proud and raised their right hand and repeated the oath, to the day of their honorable discharge, their time belonged to America; this country came before all else.

Veterans who took the oath and served in battle have known the hardships and the fears and the tragic losses of war. These memories follow them through life, and are sometimes hard to bear. Whether you served abroad or at home, you have shared in the responsibility of maintaining the finest fighting force in the world. America's war veterans have fought for the security of this nation, for the safety of our friends, and for the peace of the world. They humbled tyrants and defended the innocent, and liberated the oppressed. America's mission in the world continues, and we count on the same kind of people to carry it out. Today, in assignments around the world, more than 1.4 million Americans are on active duty, earning the title of veteran by serving in the cause of freedom. Those who serve and fight today are adding great achievements of their own to America's history.

America is grateful for their daring, grateful for their honor, and grateful for their sacrifice. On this Veterans Day, with our nation at war, Americans are deeply aware of the current military struggle and of recent sacrifice. Today and every day, the prayers of the American people are with those who wear our country's uniform. They serve a great cause and they follow a great tradition, handed down to them by America's veterans. Our veterans from every era are the finest of citizens. We owe them the life we know today. They command the respect of the American people, and they have our lasting, undying gratitude.

To all Veterans we say a resounding Thank You and we’re proud to honor you this month and everyday and give you our Simply Seniors SALUTE!