CHARLESTON, W.Va. –
On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month the Allies and Germany put an end to World War I. That conflict, referred to at the time as the “war to end all wars,” prompted leaders to designate November 11th as the day to honor veterans of World War I -- years later, it became the day to honor ALL veterans.
Today, especially, I honor those who have sworn an oath to protect and defend our freedoms. I ask you all to join me.
We honor and celebrate our National Guard Citizen Soldiers and Airmen who have served proudly and distinctively in every major conflict our nation has faced for nearly four centuries.
President John F. Kennedy once said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
Living by the values set by their predecessors is a standard you continue to embrace to this day.
We are united by an oath to the Constitution, a love of our country, and a willingness to sacrifice for something greater than ourselves.
The last three years have been marked by an unprecedented and historic response. West Virginians have supported Combatant Commanders around the globe and met the Governor’s request for assistance here at home, despite a pandemic. Across the U.S., we’ve seen the highest levels of National Guard support to our nation since World War II. As we speak, more than 20,000 Guard members are standing a post overseas.
Even with the unprecedented call-ups, we remain at our core part-time Soldiers and Airmen, but full-time members of our communities. When we take off our uniforms, we fill the role of business partners and bosses, teachers, coaches, first responders, city council members, community leaders, role models -- still serving this country and our communities with the same sense of duty and honor.
For those who have served in the past, and the almost six thousand West Virginia National Guard members who currently keep their promise to be “Always Ready, Always There,” we salute you today and every day!