Veteran’s Day President’s Message

General Tommy Franks Veterans Day Message

Hello, It is a privilege for me to highlight a very important topic about some extraordinary men and women who are the best America has to offer: our veterans and their families.

I’m General Tommy Franks; retired Commander-in-Chief of US Central Command. I was the Commander of the Coalition Forces in the War on Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq. In my almost 40 years of service as a soldier in the US Army, from the lowest ranks to the highest, I’ve seen the extraordinary way great men and women unfailingly serve our country so that you and I can enjoy freedom and opportunity. Opportunities for you to pursue the dreams you have, enjoy the benefits of living in America and, if you work hard and have a clear focus, the ability to do something truly great with your life; opportunities that many in the world do not have.

You know, the opportunities that you and I enjoy were not cheap. We can experience them only because brave men and women won them for us through their service and sacrifice. From the first patriots who fought against the British to create this nation to those who are fighting against terror today, the cost of freedom and opportunity has been paid in full. It was earned by men and women who did their duty and fought for love of home and country.

In 1918, when fighting stopped at the conclusion of World War I in the 11^th hour, of the 11^th day, of the 11^th month, the world celebrated. Peace was restored and the freedoms and opportunities we value were still in place. The world celebrated peace and freedom. But mostly they celebrated those who earned us that peace and had given so much through their service and sacrifice; they celebrated our veterans. We continue that tradition today in America. On the 11^th day of the 11^th month each year, November 11^th, we honor our veterans. We take that day to say thank you for a job well done. Thank you for making our nation the greatest on earth and defending us from those who would do us harm. Thank you to those who served and sacrificed. They did it for all of us.

The military taught me to appreciate all these incredible men and women who are our veterans. It also taught me the best way to honor them. Beyond saying thank you (which we should all do every chance we get), we can also honor the gifts of freedom and opportunity that they have given us. In the military, I learned the value of leadership, patriotism and service. Those values became the foundation upon which I built my career. They are not just values I hold as a person; they are values we hold as a nation. When I retired from serving in the US Army, I founded the General Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum for the purpose of communicating and investing these values in the next generation of leaders.

In addition to saying thank you to our veterans, we all can honor them by carrying forward their values.

Leadership.  You can take a leadership role in your schools through making positive choices. Never underestimate your ability to impact the lives of others. Start now! Leadership is not something you are born with; it is developed through experience. When you learn how to be a leader it honors veterans who fought for you to have that opportunity.

Patriotism. Love of country. Learn about your country. Learn about its history, peoples, challenges and accomplishments and you will learn that there is no greater country on earth. Every veteran has played a direct role in shaping this nation. When you learn about our country it honors our veterans and develops patriotism.

Service. Veterans did not wait. Every single man and woman heard the call and willingly answered.  It is so easy for us to lose sight of opportunities we have today as we dream about what we want to do tomorrow. Our veterans didn’t wait, and neither should you. You can serve today in your home, school, community and your country. Those who serve make significant contributions to our society. They are the people who change the world. What better way could there be to honor those who served than through service!

Veterans epitomize leadership, patriotism and service. They are deserving of our gratitude. They should be honored and thanked. Veterans have made this country the greatest in the world, but it’s up to all of us to exercise these values to insure that America remains the greatest! Always!

Remember to thank the veterans in your community. And honor them. Honor them with your leadership, patriotism, and service; and together we will make sure America remains the greatest country on earth. Thank you.

Tommy Franks
General (ret)