Air Force leaders issue joint Veterans Day message Published Nov. 10, 2009 By Janie Santos Defense Media Activity-San Antonio SAN ANTONIO (AFNS) -- The Air Force's top leaders remind the entire Air Force family that this holiday has a meaning beyond a "day off" from work in a Veterans Day message. Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz issued the following message: Bound by common purpose and driven by singular valor, our nation's service men and women exemplify the very best of our patriotic tradition. 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. Some of our veterans have made the ultimate sacrifice - to whom, our debt can ever be repaid. Others have suffered physical wounds, but remain spiritually steadfast, inspiring us with their strength of character and enduring contributions. Some still wear the uniform- whom we salute for their continued uncommon sacrifice -- while others are now our schoolteachers, coaches, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, still lending us their considerable talents, and benefitting us with their abundant generosity. Whether in military or civilian life, all of our veterans, especially our wounded warriors, deserve nothing short of our best praise and support. We are ever faithful to our solemn promise to care for them, and to afford the full array of quality lifetime programs to our injured service members. On this Veterans Day, we fittingly honor all those who have donned the uniform of the United States, and hazarded their own profound joys of life, to stand firmly for our nation's timeless devotion to liberty, equality, fairness, and self-determination; and, we thank those who continue in humble and distinctive service, ensuring not only that our nation remains blessed with limitless possibilities, but also that the memory of those veterans who have gone before us remains eternal.