Secretary Gates Says "Farewell"

As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, The Pentagon, Wednesday, June 29, 2011

To the Men and Women of the United States Armed Forces: Tomorrow, 30 June 2011, I will retire as Secretary of Defense.  It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve and to lead you for the past four and a half years. All of that time we have been engaged in two wars and countless other operations. 

It has been a difficult time for you and for your families, from long and repeated deployments for those in all four services -- and the associated long separations from loved ones -- to the anguish of those of you who have lost friends and family in combat or those of you who have suffered visible and invisible wounds of war yourselves.  But your dedication, courage and skill have kept America safe even while bringing the war in Iraq to a successful conclusion and, I believe, at last turning the tide in Afghanistan.  Your countrymen owe you their freedom and their security.  They sleep safely at night and pursue their dreams during the day because you stand the watch and protect them.

For four and a half years, I have signed the orders deploying you, all too often into harm's way.  This has weighed on me every day.  I have known about and felt your hardship, your difficulties, your sacrifice more than you can possibly imagine.  I have felt personally responsible for each of you, and so I have tried to do all I could to provide whatever was needed so you could complete your missions successfully and come home safely -- and, if hurt, get the fastest and best care in the world.

You are the best that America has to offer.  My admiration and affection for you is without limit, and I will think about you and your families and pray for you every day for the rest of my life. God bless you.

                  Original message found here: http://www.defense.gov/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=1590

The US Army: Year 236

Tomorrow, June 14th, marks the 236th birthday of the US Army. It's hard to fathom the changes that have taken place over the past couple hundred years. Several wars have started, taken soldiers lives, ended, and peace treaties signed. Weapons have evolved. Intelligence has expanded. Dedication has continued. Amazingly, with all that has been thrown at our military - emotionally and physically - they've successfully prevailed.

Here is what the VFW has to say about the Army's birthday...

June 14, 2011 marks the 236th year of service from The United States Army.  Since it was originally organized as the Continental Army in 1775 it has come a long way; battlefields have transformed, weaponry has evolved, faces have come and gone, uniform styles has varied, but there is one thing that remains the same: the bravery and the heart of the individuals who wear the uniform…their mission remains constant.   

From the American Revolution to the War on Terrorism, the men and women of the U.S. Army have always put duty above self, always ready for battle and always prepared to defend our nation to ensure we remain the “land of the free” and the “home of the brave.”   

From the VFW and its Auxiliaries we wish to issue a worldwide “thank you” to all American soldiers –past and present- and to their family members for their courageous sacrifices for all American people.  On this great day we not only celebrate the U.S. Army for its service, but also the flag which it protects.  

We are proud to be an Americans, but even more proud of those who fight for our freedoms...they are true heroes and deserve to be honored, thanked and welcomed home.