Honoring our Veterans Published Nov. 10, 2014 By Lt. Gen. Bruce A. Litchfield Air Force Sustainment Center TINKER AFB, Okla. -- From "the shot heard 'round the world," in Lexington on April 19, 1775, to their exceptional deeds in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere today - our veterans, past and present, have served nobly and deserve our sincere gratitude and abiding respect. Our veterans, through countless wars and conflicts, have liberated oppressed peoples, ended genocide and toppled terrorist regimes. From the Revolutionary War to the current War on Terror, men and women from all walks of life have shared the common bond of their oath to defend this nation; no matter the danger or the enemy. In 1789, Gen. George Washington said, "The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive veterans of early wars were treated and appreciated by our nation." Veterans Day is a time to thank our men and women in uniform and those who came before them. We must honor them for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Happy Veterans Day! It's a great day to fly! Bruce BRUCE A. LITCHFIELD Lieutenant General, USAF Commander, AFSC