KABUL, Afghanistan - At a time when the world is bustling to defeat terrorism, about 100 members of the U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan paused briefly to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom during a Veterans Day ceremony, Nov. 11, at Kabul Compound.
The ceremony, which included the playing of the national anthem, a brief history about Armistice Day, remarks by Lt. Gen. David Barno, commander, Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan, and the singing of God Bless America, lasted about 20 minutes.
But it's likely the words echoed by General Barno will have a lasting impression on those who attended, since they are now considered veterans along with those who are referred to as 'the greatest generation."
"When you think about veterans, you think about the World War II veterans or what has been referred to as the greatest generation," General Barno reflected. "They are the ones who fought at Normandy, Sicily, Salerno, Midway, Okinawa and Iwo Jima, among others."
General Barno said the greatest generation went about their duty in a business-like manner, not seeking any rewards or recognition. Rather, he said, they did it out of posterity and for those who would come after them.
"Much like you are doing today, what they did would benefit their children and their children's children," he said. "Being here today makes you a veteran and you'll always have that to take with you."
However, Gen. Barno said, being a veteran brings with it a certain amount of responsibility. "Now," he said, "you are one of those veterans we used to talk about from past wars. What you are doing today is making a down payment on an investment that will pay dividends for generations to come."
Barno concluded the ceremony by saying, "Thank you for filling those shoes of the greatest generation."
On Nov. 11, 1918, the Allied powers signed a cease-fire agreement with Germany at Rethondes, bringing World War I to a close. Between World War I and World War II, Nov. 11 was commemorated as Armistice Day in the United States, Great Britain and France.
After World War II, the holiday was recognized as a day of tribute to veterans of both world wars. Beginning in 1954, the United States designated, Nov. 11, as Veterans Day to honor veterans of all U.S. wars.
| Date Taken: | 11.15.2004 |
| Date Posted: | 11.15.2004 14:22 |
| Story ID: | 603 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 40 |
| Downloads: | 19 |
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