Veterans Day 2011: Honoring our Nation's Veterans for their Service and Sacrifice November 11, 2011

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This Veterans Day, we're honoring our nation's veterans and military families for their service.

Leave a personal note of thanks or share your reason for celebrating our men and women in uniform: http://my.barackobama.com/veteransdayvid

President Barack Obama, November 11, 2011:

"This Veterans Day, we honor the service and sacrifice of all who have worn the uniform of the United States of America with honor and distinction. And we commit ourselves to serving them as well as they've served us.

That commitment takes on a deeper meaning this year.

When I ran for this office, I promised to bring the Iraq War to a responsible end. Thanks to the heroic efforts of our men and women in uniform, that's what we're doing.

As many of our servicemembers return home for the holidays, they'll be joining the nearly 3 million servicemembers who have transitioned back to civilian life over the past decade -- and more will join them as we wind down the war in Afghanistan.

This 9/11 Generation of veterans has already earned a special place in our history alongside the millions who have served through the decades.

But they're coming home to tough economic times. Many wonder how they'll find a job, or keep up with the bills, or put a child through college.

America has a sacred trust with our veterans -- to guarantee you the care and benefits you've earned, and the chance to share in the opportunity you defend.

These aren't just words to be said -- they're promises to be kept. Especially when times are tough. And I'm proud to say we are keeping those promises.

We're fully funding the post-9/11 GI Bill, which is helping more than 600,000 veterans and their family members earn a college education and on-the-job training.

We've launched several new initiatives in recent weeks to help our returning heroes find jobs that match their tremendous skills.

I've directed the federal government to lead by example and hire more veterans -- more than 120,000 so far. I challenged the private sector to hire or train 100,000 post-9/11 veterans over the next two years, and that's off to a great start. And Michelle and Jill Biden are leading the Joining Forces effort to support our veterans and military families.

We've already reformed veterans' medical care so that more than 500,000 who were previously denied care will now get care. We've strengthened mental health services for returning veterans.

And because no veteran or active duty servicemember should have to live a lie to defend the country they love, we repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" once and for all.

Of course, we've got more to do. And I ask every American to join me not just in welcoming our veterans home, but in committing themselves to serve our veterans as well as they've served us.

In what are challenging times for America, our servicemembers and veterans remind us of the meaning of responsibility. Honor. Selflessness. Sacrifice. You define what it is to look out for one another -- what we mean when we say we're all in this together.

So thank you for your service and your sacrifice. We're proud of you. And as Commander-in-Chief, what I want you to know is that America will not let you down. We take care of our own. And we will always be there for you, just as you've been there for us. Thanks."