“Let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom,” said President Dwight D. Eisenhower in establishing the first Veterans Day in 1954. Previously, November 11 was commemorated as Armistice Day, a day originally set aside to honor veterans of World War I.
Today, Veterans Day honors all who have served in our country’s armed forces so courageously. The military has an unparalleled heritage of service to our country — both on the battlefield and in times of crisis at home. In particular, we should honor the sacrifices, both great and small, our veterans have made to preserve the ideals of the Declaration of Independence — the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The dedication, spirit, and courage of our armed forces make them a beacon of freedom and hope in an increasingly complex and dangerous world. They all proudly protect the ideals that have made this country great as they serve the call of democracy around the world.
We at the Postal Service™ deeply appreciate the men and women who have served as members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserves. The Postal Service is one of our nation’s leading employers of veterans. Today, we are proud to have thousands of employees who have traded their military uniforms for postal uniforms. We will continue to honor their sacrifices and their service to our country this Veterans Day and beyond.
— Brand and Policy, Corporate Communications, 11-3-11
