In Memorial Day Message, Hagel Honors Sacrifices

You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. In Memorial Day Message, Hagel Honors Sacrifices 05/27/2013 11:04 AM CDT In Memorial Day Message, Hagel Honors Sacrifices American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, May 27, 2013 - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel today honored those who have given their lives in the nation's defense and those who serve today – as well as their families – in his Memorial Day message to the men and women of the Defense Department. Here is the text of the secretary's message: Today is a day for all Americans to gather with friends and family in communities across the country to enjoy each other's company, and honor those generations of patriots who have fought and died in uniform to preserve the freedoms we all cherish. We also grieve with those families who lost loved ones too soon ? parents, wives, husbands, sons, and daughters for whom Memorial Day will always be a time of solemn remembrance. The perseverance and resilience of our military families is the bedrock of our military strength. Over more than a decade of sustained war, the United States has been blessed to have millions of men and women step forward to serve, to risk their lives and stand watch in every corner of the world to defend our nation. Today we remember the more than 6,600 men and women in uniform who have perished on distant battlefields since September 11th, 2001. The men and women that serve today are as humble, patriotic, and selfless as any generation that has come before them. Many have deployed on multiple tours -- active duty, guardsmen, and reservists -- all citizens doing their part for the country they love. They continue to make enormous sacrifices, along with their families. We owe them and their families our most heartfelt thanks and constant support, for they have added another chapter to our nation's book of honor.   Biographies: Chuck Hagel Related Sites: A Message of Thanks – Memorial Day 2013 Special Report: Memorial Day 2013   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense