Secretary Napolitano speaks on Coast Guard Hill at Arlington Cemetery on Veterans Day

Secretary Napolitano speaks on Coast Guard Hill at Arlington Cemetery on Veterans Day
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Guardians,

I have chosen Veterans Day to change my salutation on these posts from Shipmates to Guardians. The terms is inclusive of all of those who serve our Nation in the Coast Guard: active duty members, Reservists, Auxiliarists, and our terrific civilian workforce. It is also inclusive of all specialities, career paths, job series, and ratings. It is all of those who execute the mission and all of those who support mission execution.

Guardians, we gathered today in a cold rain at Arlington Cemetery to remember our fallen Guardians, those who are serving today, and those who have served. We met as we do each year on Coast Guard Hill where many of our heroes and leaders are resting. We were privileged to have Secretary Napolitano make remarks. She noted that there are 47,000 veterans serving as civilian employees in the Department of Homeland Security and announced a goal to increase that number to 50,000.

I have been in close contact with the Secretary since the loss of CG 1705 and its crew. She has reached out to the families and those who have assisted in the aftermath of the tragedy. She singled out this event as an example of the sacrifice we make to protect, defend, and save the public we serve.

As Master Chief Bowen commented "it was Chatham Bar weather." I noted we cannot control the conditions we operate in, our challenge is to apply our skill and competency to execute our missions.

A cold, rainy, windy day ... but a beautiful day just the same.

ADM A