These are some of the reasons why Veterans Day is important. Yet sadly, the only way most Americans experience Veterans Day is by opening an empty mailbox. And they're right. They have forgotten. Veterans today have a special obligation.
Veterans are the keepers of the flame, the bearers of our national memory.
Veterans know better than any other Americans that the ideals of democracy and freedom will always be linked to the selfless service of our armed forces. Veterans understand this. Veterans know the high cost of establishing and maintaining democracy. Throughout our nation's history, the price of democracy has been their selfless service. That was not to be the case, as we learned many times throughout this tragic century.