There is no way we can adequately share our gratitude as a nation for what our veterans have done for us. But we should try. On this day, do something to show you are grateful for our veterans.

Vietnam Women’s Memorial. Washington D.C.

Most armies on planet earth swear allegiance to a person like a queen or government official. To the best of my knowledge the United States is the only country where the members of the military swear allegiance to an ideal enshrined in a document.

This is the current Oath of Enlistment:

“I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”

(Title 10, US Code; Act of 5 May 1960 replacing the wording first adopted in 1789, with amendment effective 5 October 1962).

Vietnam Veterans Memorial. “The Wall”. Washington D.C.

To see prior versions of the Oath of Enlistment going back to 1775, go here.

Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington D.C.