Thank you, ladies and gentlemen

Today- the eleventh day of the eleventh month- we in the United States and in many of her historic allies honor those who have served in the military and fought for our freedom.

From the embattled farmers of Lexington and Concord to the citizen soldiers who fight the forces of chaos and darkness at this very moment in Iraq and Afghanistan, these people had risked and often laid down their lives so that we back home could enjoy the freedoms we so often take for granted.

But freedom, as the saying goes, isn't free. Those who serve would rather be with their families back home. And those who have given life or limb remind us to treasure the liberty we so often take in stride.

From the bottom of my heart, ladies and gentlemen... thank you for mine.