AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- Coalition partners and U.S. service members stationed here at Al Udeid Air Base stood together to celebrate the lives and service of everyone, both past and present, in the armed services during a Veterans Day retreat hosted by the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group. The ceremony featured the retiring of the colors and a multinational joint service military formation.
“Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and selflessness today, and every day,” said Brig. Gen. Darren James, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, in a message to the wing. “Veterans Day honors and celebrates the outstanding men and women who devoted themselves to patriotism, love of country and sacrifice for the common good.”
Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was established by former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who served as the Supreme Allied Commander of the Forces in Europe during World War II. It is a day that celebrates the service and sacrifice of veterans, both past and present.
Today, less than one-percent of Americans are serving in the U.S. military, and serving alongside service members are their spouses, children and family, whose sacrifices cannot be overlooked.
“We absolutely cannot forget the sacrifice of family members as their unending support enabled those that have served and fuels the fight of those that currently serve,” said James. “Appropriately, the month of November is designated National Military Family month, recognizing their unyielding sacrifice.”
On Veterans Day, President Barrack Obama made remarks from Arlington National Cemetery, where he placed a wreath on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
“On Veterans Day, we honor those who honored our country with its highest form of service: You who once wore the uniform of our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard,” said Obama. “We owe you our thanks. We owe you our respect. And we owe you our freedom.”