We gather on Memorial Day to remember and honor the uncommon valor and selfless service of those who died in conflict for the ideals of our Nation. They were Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines, men and women, from all races and creeds, from every state and territory of the Union, and from all walks of life who stepped forward and answered when America called. Their service and sacrifice allows us to gather freely throughout America, and to celebrate a Memorial Day weekend that offers the hope and promise of a brighter future. That future is bright for this country and […]

President John F. Kennedy remarked that “a nation reveals itself not only by the people that it produces but also by the people that it honors, the people it remembers.” It is a privilege to honor and remember a very special group of people this week – America’s veterans. Each year Americans are asked to pause and reflect on the service and the sacrifice of all who have worn the uniform of the United States of America, both in peace and in war, and to remember their courage, honor and loyalty to the nation. Whenever the nation has called – […]

Happy Independence Day, As we enjoy the festive moments of the 4th of July, it is important to remember the extraordinary “why” of this day. The opportunity to gather in safety among friends and family to celebrate our Independence Day was earned by the courage and selfless service of American colonists who took up arms to secure that freedom of assembly and gain their freedom from tyranny. It is a truly memorable day in the history of the United States of America, one that honors the adoption by the Second Continental Congress of our Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. […]

We gather on Memorial Day to remember and honor the uncommon valor and selfless service of those who died in conflict for the ideals of our Nation. They were Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines, men and women, from all races and creeds, from every state and territory of the Union, and from all walks of life who stepped forward and answered when America called. Their service and sacrifice allows us to gather freely throughout America, and to celebrate a Memorial Day weekend that offers the hope and promise of a brighter future. That future is bright for this country and […]

It is a privilege to speak to you this at this historic site, and to represent the US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard at this remarkable place. How fitting to stand in the shadow of the USS Intrepid, and to remember the uncommon valor and sacrifice of our armed forces on this Memorial Day. The Intrepid is an inspiration to all who know its brilliant story; a monumental example of the selfless sacrifice of all those in uniform who have served our country, lived its values, earned our freedoms. This importance of this day is well […]

Veterans Day Speech at the George C. Marshall International Center, Leesburg, VA, November 11, 2014 President John F. Kennedy remarked that “a nation reveals itself not only by the people that it produces but also by the people that it honors, the people it remembers.” It is a privilege for me to honor and remember a very special group of people today – America’s veterans. As a fellow veteran I can think of no other place I would rather be today than at this ceremony.   Each year on this day Americans are asked to pause and reflect on the service […]

Happy 4th of July! On this special holiday we celebrate the hard earned freedoms of our nation, and we remember the selfless service and sacrifice of those who have sustained the ideals of liberty and justice for all. Today we join together to enjoy each other’s company, to share in festive picnics and friendly competitions, and to marvel at the spectacle of soaring fireworks across the nation and around the world wherever Americans gather in kindred spirit. The 4th of July is symbolized by all those temporal moments, but we also pause to consider the deeper meaning of this day. […]