Remember those who’ve made our nation great

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Kurt Neubauer
  • 56th Fighter Wing commander
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Arizona --  One of the greatest conflicts in the history of mankind ended 90 years ago and cost America the lives of more than 100,000 before an armistice was signed on Nov. 11, 1918. Known as "The Great War" -- the first world war was the first to pit many nations against each other. 

One year after the signing of the armistice, President Woodrow Wilson declared Nov. 11 as Armistice Day -- a day originally meant to observe the "pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory" in WWI. In June 1, 1954, the name of the day changed to "Veterans Day" and its intent expanded to honor all U.S. veterans. 

So on this, the 55th observance of Veterans Day, it's appropriate to pause in remembrance of all veterans who have served, and are serving, honorably in our armed forces -- be they Airmen, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines or Coast Guardsmen. Whether they served in peace or war, the gratitude is the same. 

We live in freedom today because of all these men and women -- past and present. This freedom has come at a price of blood, sweat and tears. Many have paid the ultimate price in battlefields far away. Some lost their lives decades ago; some just this week.
In the Air Force we now have many Airmen combat veterans. Many are among us at Luke. They have contributed to operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries. 

Airmen have provided the air power necessary to defeat insurgents, deliver supplies and people, treat our wounded, and accomplish a myriad of other missions. Airmen have also served courageously with Army units on the ground and have experienced the fight up close. 

The contributions of these active-duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen are the building blocks that will help rebuild Afghanistan, stabilize Iraq, and deny safe haven to terrorists in other parts of the world. Luke Thunderbolts today stand ready to go when called upon to continue the efforts that ultimately ensure our nation's freedom. 

This Veterans Day take time to pause and remember those who have served before us and those who are serving with us today. Say "thank you" to our veterans, for they have contributed to the strength and greatness of our nation. 


Let's also remember the families and loved ones of all our veterans. We owe a debt of gratitude to the families that have stood selflessly by the side of our vets as they served our country. Their sacrifices should not go unnoticed.