Sept. 11, 2021
"Today we mark the anniversary of our Nation's darkest day.
Since those cowardly attacks that murdered the innocent in New York City, Pennsylvania and the Pentagon 20 years ago, the United States military committed ourselves to defeat terrorists around the world in order to prevent another attack on our homeland. At home and abroad, your talent, your effort, and your courage has carried this fight day and night.
800,000 of us in uniform served in Afghanistan over the last 20 years and 2,461 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines gave the last full measure of devotion, while 20,698 of us were wounded, and untold thousands of others suffer with the invisible wounds of war as we close this chapter in our Nation's history.
For two consecutive decades, you and those who came before you protected our homeland from terrorist attack. And it was because of you that 124,000 recently evacuated men, women and children will now have the opportunity to be free for the rest of their lives.
For those of us in uniform and for our families who have suffered and sacrificed along our side, for those who have supported us, these have been incredibly emotional, exhausting, and trying years. But each moment of your service mattered. Each of you did your duty and it was not in vain.
We will never forget those who rushed to save lives and gave theirs on that day in September and all the days that have followed. Never forget the sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, who gave their tomorrows for our todays.
We are proud to serve alongside each and every one of you."
//SIGNED//
MARK A. MILLEY
General, U.S. Army
RAMON COLON-LOPEZ
SEAC, U.S. Air Force
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