THULE AIR BASE, Greenland -- Airmen and Guardians came together to honor those who served and continue to serve during a Veterans Day breakfast event hosted by the 821st Security Forces Squadron at the Igloo on Thule Air Base, Greenland, Nov. 11, 2021.
Approximately 45 members of Team Thule celebrated the holiday for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Kristopher Gallanger, 821st Air Base Group first sergeant, highlighted Gen. Douglas McArthurs’ “Duty, Honor, Country” speech in 1962 at West Point; which reminds us of what we, along with over 19 million living veterans committed to when we raised our right hands and signed on the dotted line
“It was important to take time on this day and recognize our veterans,” said U.S. Space Force Col. Heather McGee, 821st ABG commander. “I was happy to see everyone take the time to come together in fellowship and honor those who have served, as well as those who continue to serve both at home and overseas.”
Veterans Day is a time to express gratitude to America's service members, past and present, who served in both war and peace. Originally called Armistice Day, the holiday was initially intended to honor the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” of 1918, signaling the end of World War I.
In 1938, Congress passed a law marking Nov. 11 as the federal holiday. President Dwight Eisenhower signed a law in 1954 that changed the name to its current form, Veterans Day, shifting the holiday’s focus from the original dedication of World War I veterans to veterans of all wars.
During the breakfast, service members were able to connect and appreciate what being a veteran means to them.
A special thank you also goes out to Sherile John and her fifth grade students from Carrillo Magnet School in Tucson, Arizona, for the cards thanking veterans for their service that the Airmen and Guardians received.