The celebration's original themes of an ever vigilant and unified military force lives on today as we consider ways to modernize and operate more efficiently. While we need updated equipment, we must not forget that at the heart of our military is the soldier, sailor and marine. Even today, thousands of our service personnel qualify for food stamps, a travesty that Congress is now addressing. We must also improve benefits and find ways to retain the talent that develops in each of the services. The world has changed since that first Armed Services Day in 1950.
Democracy is now the global watchword and the Soviet Union is a relic of history.
Humanitarian missions play an ever greater role. But the basics remain the same. Security lies in a strong national defense. This past year, our Armed Forces have been called upon to fight aggression and maintain the peace. Unity and vigilance are still vital to the successful defense of our national interests and freedom.