On Oct. 12, 2000, our nation lost 17 of America’s finest sailors when terrorists attacked USS Cole while the guided-missile destroyer was moored in the Gulf of Aden in Yemen.
As we honor those sailors who made the ultimate sacrifice for service, we are reminded that they were committed to something larger than themselves and genuinely understood the call of duty for the greater good. They stood proud and met every challenge with an understanding that there is a price to be paid for freedom.
To our fallen comrades, America stands united in celebrating your lives because it is you, our fallen, who have provided us with hope and courage.
We also are reminded that more lives could have been lost on that dreadful day had it not been for the heroic efforts of USS Cole crewmembers and their dedication in saving their ship.
It is fitting that as we honor our fallen, that we also praise and thank the men and women in the U.S. Navy as they celebrate on October 13, the 233rd year of their rich heritage in defending freedoms and promoting peace.
God bless America.
Glen Gardner
VFW Commander-in-Chief