May 17, 2013

Manchin Remembers Servicemembers on Armed Forces Day

Washington, D.C. – On Armed Forces Day, Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) urges all West Virginians to thank a veteran or current serving member of the National Guard, Reserve or active military. The national theme for this year’s Armed Forces Day is “Strong and Resilient: Prepared to Meet any Challenge,” and is a keen reminder that our nation is at war and our men and women remain in harm’s way.  

“This week, I was honored to welcome veterans from all generations to Washington, DC for the ‘Always Free Honor Flight,’ an especially meaningful time for veterans to visit the nation’s capital as we commemorate Armed Forces Day,” Senator Manchin said. “As I reflect on their selfless service to our nation, I pay tribute to the men and women in all our military who make the United States of America the greatest nation on earth. 

“Today, you can find these extraordinary men and women on land, at sea and in the air in every corner of the globe, facing danger and enduring hardship for the sake of America’s freedom. Time and time again, we have placed the future of our country in the hands of the brave men and women of our armed forces, and they have always – always – triumphed. The American military is the greatest in the world, not just because of superior technology, training and tactics, but because of the unsurpassed physical and moral courage of our soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen. We are a fortunate nation to have such men and women keeping us safe. And today, I join a grateful nation in celebrating this day in their honor.”

Background:

• The nation’s first Armed Forces Day was observed in 1950, after President Harry S. Truman established Armed Forces Day to thank members of the military for their service, and to establish a single holiday to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force holidays.  

• President John F. Kennedy established Armed Forces Day as an official holiday in 1962. At the time, he said, “Word to the Nation: Guard zealously your right to serve in the Armed Forces, for without them, there will be no other rights to guard.”

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