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While every Memorial Day is marked with solemn remembrance, this year’s has special significance, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said today in a Memorial Day message to the force.
“This year -- as we mark the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War, the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the 65th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, the 40th anniversary of our departure from Vietnam, and the 25th anniversary of Operation Desert Shield in the lead-up to the Gulf War -- we honor and remember those who perished in those wars, just as we recall the more than 6,800 American service members who gave their lives since September 11, 2001,” Carter said.
“To the families of our fallen patriots: We lack the words to describe what you feel on Memorial Day, because try as we may -- as we must -- we can never fully know it,” the defense secretary said. “But we do know what your sacrifice means to us, to our country, and to a world that still depends so much on America for its security.”
“As our nation remembers the service and sacrifice of previous generations, we as a people recognize that the men and women serving in uniform today -- active-duty, Guard, and Reserve -- are as humble, patriotic, and selfless as any generation that has come before,” Carter said.
“They, alongside their families, continue that tradition of service to country that makes our military the finest fighting force the world has ever known,” he said. “Nearly 200,000 of these soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines are currently serving beyond our shores, protecting us far from home, and will not be able to spend this holiday with their loved ones.
“Today, and every day, we honor them and their families with our heartfelt thanks and support,” the defense secretary said.
Story by DoD News, Defense Media Activity
| Date Taken: | 05.21.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.03.2025 10:00 |
| Story ID: | 503910 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 5 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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