By Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves
Commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson
Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves
We celebrate Veterans Day on the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I, the armistice that began on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. This day marked a time of commemorations, parades and public events, an opportunity to pay solemn tribute to those who died in the country’s service and give thanks for the end to the fighting in Europe.
In 1954, Congress changed the legal holiday, known as Armistice Day, to Veterans Day, a day to honor all of America’s veterans who fulfilled their oaths of service to this nation. This day is set aside to remember every man and woman who has taken up arms to defend our country, who gave some of the best years of their life to the service of our nation, and who stood ready to give their lives on our behalf.
This Veterans Day, as we honor and celebrate those whose service and sacrifice made our Army the greatest military force in the world, I want to thank our former “Iron Horse” Soldiers and their Families, as well as the nearly 52,000 veterans and their Families who reside in the greater Colorado Springs area. I also want to extend my gratitude to our current Soldiers who continue to fulfill their oaths of service to our nation with honor, integrity, distinction and pride. Your commitment to service ensures our way of life and builds upon the legacy of those veterans who have gone before you.
Our veterans have served on the beaches and plains of Europe, the jungles of Asia and the deserts of the Middle East, and our Iron Horse Soldiers continue to carry the colors at home and abroad, from Colorado to California, from Afghanistan to Poland, and the list goes on. No matter where they fight, who they fight, or when they fight, our Soldiers represent the finest our nation has to offer and never fail to accomplish their mission. The Iron Horse legacy is a testament to the long, proud traditions of America’s veterans from decades past, and the competency, resiliency and motivation of today’s “Ivy” Division Soldier is truly inspiring.
In closing, I want to reiterate my own, the division’s, and the Army’s gratitude for your service in defense of our nation. Whether for service in times of conflict or peace, you are owed a standing debt of gratitude for your willingness to step forward and serve. Thank you all for your service and your continued contributions to our nation.
Steadfast and Loyal.
