very personal meeting at -- meaning for me. it brings to life a story about a soldier. isolde that is very special to me. this soldier graduated from west point in 1943. not long after his graduation, this young soldier found himself on the battlefield of europe, serving with the fourteenth armored division, leading an equally young group of soldiers fighting along the french and german border. in january of 1945, the soldier was severely wounded. the tank he was in the glow of. he was so seriously injured that he almost lost a leg.

but like many of you, he is a true fighter on the battlefield and off. fortunately, he recovered. he was awarded the purple heart, and he continued to serve. in 1951, the soldier commanded the third battalion regiment during the korean war. he was awarded the distinguished service cross for valor and another purpleheart. and he continued to serve. in 1971, that same soldier commanded the mechanized brigade in vietnam. like some of you, he is a proud war veteran. there is no one more proud of him than me. the soldier was my father. [applause] and i am even prouder to report

that he is 91 years old. [applause] right after the ceremony, i am flying down to see him in florida. i can't think of a better way to spend a veterans day with all of you and then with my very own world war two that. i want to thank the friends of the national world war two immoral to make -- for making this ceremony possible. i want to thank all of the distinguished military and civilian guests here, including some many representatives from the great veterans association. thank you for being here and thank you for sharing this very special veterans day. some of our most distinguished guests have come a long way.

thank you for giving our veterans the opportunity to come from around the country to see their memorial. [applause] this is an inspiring memorial, and it is a tribute to 60 million americans who wore the uniform during the second world war. it is also a reminder of the triumph of the american spirit. because of what the american group bid for all of us, your children, your grandchildren, they now call you the greatest generation, a title you have well learn and one he will hold forever. like i said a moment ago,

today's ceremony and veterans day recognition is very special. they are from the first commanding general of the u.s. women's army corps, and they read, women that stepped up were measured as citizens of the nation, not as women. this was the people's war and everyone was in it. on this special day, we are here to remind ourselves that half of the greatest generation where women. and more than 350,000 of them served in uniform during the second world war. they served as marines. they served at home and around the globe. if you are one of these proud women, wearing our nation's uniform during world war two, stand or wave your hand so we can say thank and recognize you. [applause]

thank you all for your service to our country. today, we also want to recognize all the people that served in many other ways, every bit as vital to the nation's victory. including the thousands of women that took government jobs, the 3.5 million women that volunteered for the american red cross, the tens of thousands of women that volunteered with the uso, and the 19 million american when -- when that went to work in industries.

-- american women that went to work in industries. and when to recognize the millions of more that raised children and kept families together during shortages, and some very tough times. women like my own mom. i know she is here in spirit. she was with my dad every step of the way. she might not have carried a rifle, but she carried a very heavy sack filled with responsibilities that came with being head of the household while the loved on were overseas. if you were one of those women that were there supporting our nation at war, stand and raise your hands so we can say thanks and recognize you as well. [applause]

eleanor roosevelt once said, he must do those things you think you cannot do, and we're surrounded by women that truly did the things that so many thought they could not do. they helped us put the brake in the greatest generation. this memorial is as much theirs as it is anyone's, and they couldn't be prouder to honor the mall on this great veterans day. today, i say god bless all of our veterans, god bless our women veterans, and never forget our deployed men and lemon. pray for their success in their safe return. have a wonderful american day. [applause] >> i invite you to rise for the presentation to honor all of the veterans.

it will just take a moment to let them get into position.

tomorrow no, and labette the future of health care. and live coverage begins at 12:15 p.m. eastern on c-span and c-span.org. >> this weekend, c-span3 visit

the papers project to learn how they use the medium to communicate her ideas but . we will see how different leadership work together. then a daylong symposium on the war. they discuss the international and packs of the war. american history tv all leaking, every weekend prope to an appalling tunnel -- janet ono observed this. this is 45 minutes.

>> could afternoon. thank you for joining us today. i in your master ceremony for today. we hope you enjoyed the music of the coastuard band. it is based in connecticut and traveled throughout the united states and overseas. aday's tribute will be preceded by the secretary of homeland security, and janet apalitnano.n >> our official party will

participate in a ceremony in honor of our veterans. it to be followed by a moment of silent. veterans are authorized to do the hand salute. those not in uniform but covered jar remove their hats and place it over their heart spread them -- over their heart.

. [playing "holy, holy, holy."]

>> at this time, will our guests please rise and remain standing for the playing of "taps."

[band plays "the star spangled banner"]

>> right shoulder arms. colors arms.

colors halt. >> present arms. >> colors, present arms. [trumpet playing "taps"]

>> right shoulder arms. >> right face. forward march.

>> please be seated. ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinct honor to present our speaker. >> thank you. madam secretary, admiral papp, distinguished officers, ladies and gentlemen, in 1918 on the 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month, we will join to celebrate. after four years of war, an armistice was signed. the war to end all wars was

over. congress they did this day as a filler will holiday -- as a federal holiday 20 years after the war ended. as we all know, the war to end all wars and did not. introduced by president and veteran dwight d. eisenhower in 1954, veterans day eventually replaced armistice day as a day of remembrance in 1978. veterans day is a time to honor and not just heroes, but all of the men and women who served selfishly even before our nation began. when asked by his grandson if he was a hero in the war, major richard winters replied, "no." it is this hubble example that illustrates how important it is that we observe -- it is this

humble example that illustrates how important it is that we observed the referenced -- observe veterans day. this month, remember the 14th exceptional shipmates that we honor for our new fast-response cutters. billy-ray flores only one year out of boot camp, save the lives of ship makes after eight collision when he opened the life jacket locker and stayed behind to help the wounded. when the vessel capsized, he was trapped aboard and lost his own wife. someone else volunteered to wade through heavily mined waters to guide ships and troops onto

normandy beach during the d-day invasion. someone else get a light for 40 years to guide mariners to safety. richard etherege led 18 to a hurricane to rescue crew members from eight wrecked schooner. these are just a few of our coast guard heroes. those who served before us and the standing the watch today. these shipmates accepted the chlenges and responsibilities that come with the call to serve. as we watch our families safely in our homes at night, let's remember those who served and those who still serves. let's remember the pride that -- remember the price that many

have paid for our liberty and our freedom. these are debts that can never be fully repaid. instead of mourning or being somber, to date we rejoice and celebrate our veterans. it is the spirit of celebration i would like to echo in the words of general patton. >> it would be foolish and wrong to mourn those who died. we should thank god that such people have lived." [applause] now it is my distinctonor and pleasure to introduce admiral j. papp of the united states coastguard. admiral papp is a 1975 graduate of the coast guard academy. he holds a master of arts in

national security strategic studies at the united states war college and a master of science in management. admiral pat have surged six coastguard cutters, four of which he commanded. he is our 13th gold ancient mariner. for those who may not know, the gold ancient mariner is an honorary position held by an officer with over 10 years duty.ated see tha ladies and gentlemen, please welcome admiral papp. [applause] >> master chief 11 and i seem to be in a competition. he likes to point out the engine

things whenever he can. secretary napolitano, thank you for being here with us this morning. distinguished guest, thank you as well. it is always a pleasure to see you. device, died of the coast guard and it shipmates, thank you for being here. i thank in particular the chiefs for rallying people to come out here. we have done this for many years. when you have a couple of bad weather years, the crowd diminishes a little bit. it is gratifying to see the turnout this year of all the senior leaders and senior enlisted leaders. more importantly, some of the kids in the crowd as well. we all have a duty here today. all of us share in this obligation to practice the manners of our profession. these matters are not recorded anywhere in any book or any

document or any publication. these matters are observed, they are taught, they are experienced, and they are felt in the heart. by practicing them, we prepare another generation to take part in them as well. a nation or even a service can be judged on how well it honors its veterans. we just attended the, the master chief and i, a service to honor all of our veterans who have served throughout the years. the vice president had a chance to thank all of us and all of those in the past. as the commandant of the coast guard, i will take time to date to recognize our coast guard veterans in particular, because sometimes our coast guard people are forgotten. as we all know, we play a large part in our national security. as the commandant of the coast guard, i want to express my

sincere appreciation for your presence here today. we are particularly grateful to have the attendance of secretary napolitano. i know how busy all of your schedules or when you walk -- we work in washington, on a day off, the last thing you want to think about is driving into washington. i am also are predicted that are ceremony honored guard is here to add to the excellence of the ceremony. i am also proud to have our coast guard and here as well. the coast guard band will do a consort for us tomorrow night. we are looking forward to that, but i was struck by the theme of their concert which is "heroes in our midst." i read a couple -- i read the speech a couple of years ago with that same title. after the dedication of the world war ii monument, i started reading an obituary of those who

served during world war ii. many times there were people, perhaps well known for other things they have done in their lives, but we did not realize that these ordinary people were heroes in our midst. one of those names i will talk about today is james flurry. more about that in a moment. on this veterans day, i would like to recognize some of our past heroes who gave the full measure of devotion defending our freedoms. all the coast guard memorial behind me are the names of crewmen aboard the cutter seneca and tampa who were lost during world war roman one. on december 16, 1918, in a gallon to endeavor to bring a torpedoed merchant vessel into port, a detail of 15 coast guard members who were aboard the coast guard cutter seneca were lost of gibraltar.

just 10 days later on september 26, 1918, the uss tampa was sought while performing a ocean export duty by an enemy submarine. she went down with every man on board -- 115 coast guard members and 16 passengers. 131 souls lost forever. the camp but was the greatest combat related loss of life suffered by a u.s. naval forces in world war ii -- were a war room and one. the senior naval officer on duty in great britain received the following letter. "there warships' request made to express their deep report -- regret at the loss of the uss tampa. it has been employed in the waters as an ocean escort.

they lost only two ships to enemy action. the commanders of the convoys that recogni the ability with which the cat but carry out its duties appreciate the good work done by the uss tampa. it may be some consolation to the bereft and their warship would like this to be conveyed to those concerns. several days later, two bodies washed ashore. the authorities were able to identify one of the bodies. it turned out to be seamen james flurry. the other was never identified. but these coast guard members were buried with full military honors in a small church in wales. his family later brought his body home and had him buried in

long island, new york. the unidentified coast guard men still rests in the churchyard. on may 23, 1928, the, died dedicated this coast guard war memorial and remarked, "the officers and men of the coast guard is memory we are honoring today new the standards and pride of our small service and to uphold the traditions and standards, they made the greatest of earth the sacrifices. ou will find james flurry's name etched on the stalled behind me. the legacy of these coast guard men had been carried on with the same commitment and the same sacrifice. our service is to under 20 years old. we have performed callous maritime missions. many of these fees are so dramatic that they beat any fictional see story you could

tell. they all have a common theme -- the willingness of someone to take great personal risk to protect others. that is what coast guard meant do. we protect people on the sea. we protect against threats on the sea. and we protect the sea itself. we ensure the safety and security and stewardship of our nation's waters. our present day hardworking coast guard men and women who comprise of crews and units to perform are challenging missions are true heroes in our midst. their service is characterized by entering humility. if you ask them if they thought of themselves as heroes, invariably they would say, no, i was just doing my job. there are heroes out there and they are here today. they are those ordinary men and women who do extraordinary things. their names are not famous, but

their virtues are. teamwork, selflessness, courage, honor, respect, and devotion to duty. they are not larger than life, but they risk their own lives so that others might live. the step forward to answer the call when others fall back. look into any coastguard station, in the hangar deck, where 80 cutter and you will find them -- the courageous men and women of the united states coast guard. when you need them the most, they will get their utmost to protect you from the sea, to protect you against threats from b.c., and to protect the sea itself. on this veterans day we honor all of those who have worn the uniform of our country, we honor our profession by recognizing all of those who have served past and present. this is our chosen profession. this is our way. this is what we do. we are privileged to be members

of a very unique service. for this reason, when ever i have been asked about what we are or what we do, i always reply with pride, "we are coast ."ardsmen i salute you and i thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service past and present. [applause] >> now i had the distinct pleasure and great honor of introducing someone who has provided great support for the united states coastguard and our heroes, our service secretary, the hon. janet napolitano. she has visited coastguard cutters in the arabian gulf. she has visited coast guard men and women responding to the deepwater horizon spill.

most recently, she went to see how we maintain a stewed navigation. her devotion to duty it ensures that our coast guard men and women at the support and resources to fulfill our mission. it is my honor to introduce the secretary of the department of all lan security, but as we prefer to call her, the secretary of the united states coast guard, the hon. janet napolitano. [applause] >> thank you admiral papp for that introduction and thank you to everyone who is here today. it is so fitting that we are gathered here at this memorial because we now celebrate veterans day, the day when the fight in world war one ended.

the administration for the armistice that was breached on december 11 began the -- that was reached on december 11 began the process of american service members coming home. when they came home their service to our country did not end. it's simply took on different things. the spirit of service that our veterans possess provides an important example to everyone. our country's and veterans continue to serve and strengthen our country long after they leave active duty. this has never been more truth than today. honor those day, we who gave their lives, including the members of the coast guard who perished in the line of duty since the last veterans day. our thoughts and our prayers remain with their families and loved ones. our gratitude for their sacrifice will never fade. yet we also take time to

recognize help veterans enhanced every facet of our nation. today the time to recognize that we are stronger as a country not only because of what they have given, but also because of what they continue to give. nowhere is this more true than the department of homeland security. we are fortunate to have more veterans continuing their service to america with less than almost any other organization in the country. i am privilege to be the service secretary for the 42,000 active duty men and women serving in the united states coastguard, but i am also honored to lead a dedicated civilian work force that includes over 48,000 veterans, more than 25% of our total personnel. it is no accident that we can count 70 veterans among our dhs calling.

we seek out veterans because we know that their service, their talents, their experience is key to sell many of our missions and are perfectly suited to our main mission of securing our nation from the many threats that we face. as i speak, veterans are working to guard against terrorism, to protect our cyber networks, to help secure our borders, to help enforce our immigration laws, and to help communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters of any kind. being america's best a brightest, they are constantly improving the way that our department does all of these things. one of my top priorities as secretary has been to make sure we are doing everything possible to leverage the unique values of the department. one of the ways we do this is by actively recruiting veterans for jobs across dhs.

i set a goal last year of having more than 50,000 veterans at our department. we will reach this goal in 2012. we also work to ensure that veterans have opportunities to busy -- to do business with the department of all land security. -- department of homeland security. in what is one the highest honors i have had is the one to preside over the granting of citizenship to active-duty members of the military who are already serving our country even though they are not yet citizens. last year we naturalized more than 11,000 members of our military, and the most in 55 years. these are young men and women who are serving in iraq and

afghanistan on active duty post all over the world who had agreed to serve pending their citizenship. today they are citizens. so today we express our unwavering gratitude not only to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, but also to those heroes in our midst to have continued to serve as examples of honor, service, and of selflessness long after their time in the military is completed. those are the memories and that is the service we honor today. thank you very much. [applause] >> with our guests please rise? commander stephen smith will now offer the benediction.

>> i invite you to join me in a word of prayer. lord our god, we get thanks to you for this great land of our birth with a of its liberties and its many blessings. today we especially give thanks for those who have served her, sacrificing their lives in the midst of this country's hour of need. our fallen comrades, their families and friends -- to them will be forever indebted. blessed as only you can do that they know our deep appreciation and make it always be true. may we never forget the sacrifices and may we fight to keep men free and we always strive to keep alive be pursued of liberty -- the pursuit of liberty. in your holy name we pray, amen.

>> thank you. >> colors halt.

preset arms. right shoulder arms. ♪

>> ladies and gentlemen, this concludes our ceremony. thank you for taking part. we would like to thank the executive director of the army national cemetery program and the superintendent of arlington national cemetery for their assistance with today's ceremony.

we would also like to thank the coast guard band. [applause] and the coast guard honor guard. [applause] please feel free to join us for refreshments under the tent. once again, thank you for your attendance. >> up next on c-span, today's veterans day ceremony from the women's veterans memorial. our interview with the american legion executive director and president obama talks to u.s. troops in south korea.

on tomorrow "washington journal, economics writer martin crutsinger and national transportation board chairman deborah hersman. that begins at 7:00 a.m. eastern on c-span. >> that sends a signal to everybody that these are investors that think this thing will crash and burn. you could not see that the way you could see it in the stock market. because of the way it works, it was not real mortgages but the casino version of a mortgage. >> in 2003, she wrote about enron. this week she will talk about

the current finaial crisis in "all the doublesr hear." back to sunday night at 8:00 p.m. eastern. >> as the country march veterans day, the more about the holiday and the men and women who have served in the military. oral histories, authors of the nation's wars, and veterans day commemorations through the years. all searchable, all free on your computer any time. military memorial at arlington national cemetery held a veterans day ceremony. this is 50 minutes. >> general bought, thank you for your warm veteran. at the veterans day to you all and thank you for your service. i want to thank the women's memorial for this opportunity to participate in honoring our

veterans from all services. it was a veteran and his wife and to influence me to join the army in 1988. i was led to join the army in 1988. my grandfather was a world war ii veteran. he served in the battle of the bulge. he made a lifelong impression on me with the sacrifices and service to our nation. my grandmother, an army wife for life, ingrained in me what it meant to serve and the importance of serving our country. during college while deciding on my path in life, i felt i wanted to serve others. i felt myself drawn to my grandfather's career in the service, realizing of what to do what he did -- serve my country in the army. as a young lady called excitement and anticipation, i

received my commission in 1988. i cannot wait for what lies before may serving my country. the opportunities and places have been numerous. i was assigned to fort campbell, kentucky, saudi arabia, iraq, fort hood, texas, atlanta, georgia, heidelberg, germany, baghdad, kuwait, back to fort hood, texas, and then to the pentagon. there were many stops for training exercises. i have been blessed to learn how the army works from the bottom to the top. the letter i served, i realized i was doing what my grandfather did and had my dream of serving others a reality. i remained in the service for 22 years because i cannot fathom doing anything else. it has been fun and challenging, but not without sacrifices. but i would ner trade serving

my country. i remember the veterans who served before may. it was their path that made it possible for this granddaughter to have the opportunity to serve as my grandfather. god bless you, god bless our veterans and their families, and may god bless the united states of america. thank you. [applause] >> good afternoon, everyone. first of all i would like to say that i thank god for the opportunity to stand before you today. i do not take it lightly to stand before all of you who have laid the path. if it was not for you -- no offense to the man, but this is our day, this is our moment. it is about us right now. if it was not for the women veterans that were there before me and before we ladies sitting

here today, we would not have the opportunity to stand here at all. i am very grateful, very honored, and very humble. my grandfather was a marine. i cannot say i joined because of him because he never told me about the service. he had a lot of things that happened by the time he retired in 1974 they did not want to tell me about. nevertheless, when i joined -- and he never told me what service he was in until i joined. i told him to join the marine corps. he told me i would never make it because of my mouth. [laughter] then i said something smart that probably emphasize his point. but each day i strove to make them and other women proud. as a woman of veteran, is a very high bar that you have said. there is a lot that is required of a woman to maintain her

femininity, to still be a mother, to still be a wife, to still be a home giver. we can do it. [applause] 235 years of marine corps in existence. not all that time that the mills been part of that. i am short the marine corps is are very grateful they collected their original -- they corrected their original mistake. we began doing clerical duties in 1918. but as the dearly -- they let us do the girly stuff. then in 1975 they said they would let us do a little bit more. that was the biggest mistake they could have made. if you open the door we are going to kick it in and take over. they bought the ticket and we

gave them the whole show. in 1975 they opened more feels to us. except for a forgery, army, and pilots, we were able to do just about anything. that is what a woman does. i just got cliff notes. i did not write anything down. i am just winging it. when you think about what a woman does and what a warrior does, can you really write that down? as a woman marine, i jump out -- i job off a tower and then we get to the gas chamber voluntarily to get gassed. there are a lot of other things about marines. voluntarily get gassed. i have to get home by 7:00 because they care is about to close. pick up the babies. we are working on poddy

training. i dropped them off and do the same job every day. when men, you are doing it, you are doing it well, you have done it well, that we are proud. hopefully we are making you as proud of us as we are of you. [applause] >> in 1990, 1991 women marines set another standard when we deployed with operation desert shield and desert storm. that is when our men realized that they are just as aggressive, they are just as tough, they sometimes have more tenacity than the average male. they can kill a couple people, too. we went down there and we took names. we did what we had to do. now more has been opened up to us. it is not in vain. for those of you who are my

grandmother's h, you are more season. just like wine, you get better with time. i thank you because if you do not have a foundation you have nowhere to step. if you do not know where you come from you do not know where you are going. you are worried become from. you are looking fabulous. we are hot. [laughter] it is where we are headed. we are still doing those things and still holding the legacy you set in ralph for us initially. as a marine, i just want to say that there is no prouder moments that you have the opportunity to stand before you in our dress- blue uniform. the few, the proud, the marines -- i would like to consider are female veterans of the few work, the powder, the female brains.

it is not marketed. they would not use it in any advertising. that is just what i say. [applause] now in 2010, not only are we still doing what we have to do in the battlefield -- whether we are serving are giving birth to their children double what they serve, the marine corps has opened up 93% of its specialties to women. keep in mind that only 6.2% of the marine corps is female. we are kicking butt and taking names. on this day as we honor ourselves and those of you who are here, i just want to close with something that a lot of our marines do when they retire. it is called the wash. i do not know if anybody has ever heard it, but i thought it was fitting. from those of us who are still active duty, it goes like this.

for many years you have stood be wahed. while many of us lay about in our racks tonight, used to be watched. while some of us were attending school, you women veterans stood the watch. before any of us were born, many of you stood the watch. as our families once the storm clouds of the war brewing over the horizon of history, she stood the watch. use all that your family often needed titans, but you also needed faith because you had the watch. so years used to be watch our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly and safely in knowing that you, women veterans, were standing be watch. today, those of this to are

still active duty and are trying valiantly to carry on your legacy i get a proud manner, we are here to say that you stand relieved. he stands relieved by those who have led, died, and trained. when veterans, retirees, we have the watch. semper fidelis. [applause] >> good afternoon, everyone. i am glad to be here today. i thank god for this day. i am very grateful and honored to be here today with all of you who have served our nation so well. on this veterans day, we pay tribute to the women who have served in all branches of the service. they have put their lives on the line so that we, at the united

states of america, would have the freedom that we so deserved. to those of us who are veterans ourselves, it has a very special meaning. veterans day is a time for us to think back to those who have led us into this time of year as well as what we expect in the future. we know not what the hour may hold, but we know that our women are out there fighting as well as our man. that means a whole lot. i served 26 years in the united states navy. i served on four ships. i sailed across all seven seats. i served for two presidents of the united states that it may out of the country where i'd left my family behind, but i am a veteran. yes or a woman and i am proud, committed, and honored to said

served in the united states navy for 26 years. [applause] i think back to all of this who have trained to be the person that they should be when they are honoring our country as women. you see, women were often thought of as being uncomfortable in any branch of service, but today i am here to tell you that the women have strived and strived to make a path so that all, not just women, but men as well at the same opportunity. as my fellow serviceman said, he said we had to strive while men kept us down in so many ways. let me tell you, we have been uplifted and given the opportunity of its quality to serve alongside of them. we have made a path that we will continue to follow.

we will continue to follow that path we have set for the women in the united states services. [applause] i am reminded today of one woman who touched my heart last year. she came to speak to us in the chief's mess. she was the first master chief yeoman of the united states navy. she joined in 1943. that is a long time. when i saw her and talk to her, she gave me the inspiration to know that women lead from the front as well as from the metal and be back. we support no matter where we are and we support all that we stand for. we stand for freedom, democracy, honor, courage, and commitment. we will continue to do that as well as we have done in the past to make sure that our young women understand that we to are

not just the end, but we are the beginning. [applause] i hope that all of those who i have gone before will continue to lead from the front as i did. as the brigadier said, i had been around the world, yes, but i have also planted a foundation for women to live by. remember that what we stand for no one can take from us. we are the women that served in the united states military. [applause] i am very proud to stand before you today on this veterans day to say thank you. i served, but without you, i could not have gotten as far as i did. i am proud to say once again,

thank you not just to the women who went before us, but also to the men. my husband is a veteran as well and i am proud of him. i will continue to be proud. recently when women could not be on submarines -- 2011, there is a new plan for the united states navy. we will see our first win and go on submarines. that will be obtained. week to deserve that training opportunity. i am looking "-- we, too, deserve that training opportunity. i am looking forward to that training opportunity. i think we will continue to strive and do as well as we have been doing. thank you and god bless you. [applause]

>> it is all short people here. no offense, ladies. i am an american chairman. i am a warrior. i have answered my nation's call. 2 million women veterans have served before me. 63,000 women are serving in the air force today. i am an american airman. my mission is to fly, fight, whein. how prelate would she be of a colonel who currently serves as a commander of the 89th airlift wing and pilot of the air force. i am thankful for a proud heritage, a tradition of honor and the legacy of valor. it is a traditional honor that extends all the way back to the

revolutionary war up to the conflicts we are fighting in this very day. we salute the thousands of veterans who dedicated their lives to defend our freedom, a legacy of valor that is surrounded by eight women whose strength and commitment have allowed us to echoed the sentiments "we are one nation indivisible." i am and american airmen. my nation's sword and shield -- i defend my country with my life. thank you to the infinite number of veterans who served as guardians of our freedom and have extended our justice, making the ultimate sacrifice. i am an american airman. let us celebrate all veterans who were wingmen of yesterday and made it possible for us to serve as leaders in the strongest military of the world. it is warriors of years past

they gave us the intestinal fortitude to say "i am and american airman." i will never leave the air men behind. i will never falter. i will not fail. failure is not an option. it is that blood and those tears that empower us to carry on the legacy of all that have served this country proudly before us. today we pay a special tribute to our veterans, those who have fallen, and those who continue to serve. to the family and friends who are in harm's way, we salute you today. i would like to give you a special tribute that i wrote especially for the women. it is entitled "a few good women." quilted together like fabric of a perfect blend, honored are our veterans laced with a few good women. sacrifices to many to mention,

women served just to do their part. determined to serve and to ensure america's victory, never settling for less, refusing to accept mere complacency. lives dedicated and lost for this place we call the land of the free. blood spilled in countries all over this world. flags flew at half mast. there will be no victory without the courage of our brothers and a few good women. desert storm, operation just cause, enduring freedom, and the revolutionary war -- last -- yes, even back then we played a significant role. many have asked us, did she really contribute? my answer is, yes. of course she did. today, please remember the soldiers that paid the ultimate price. remember those who went into

harm's way. remember the airmen who left her husband and children all alone. remember the holidays she will miss and the courage she has shown. consider the sacrifices made and the price her life will pay. we appreciate you, ma'am, for you all have paved the way. you taught us to get our all in an effort just to win. our legacy is carved in history because of the courage of a few good women. if i had a chance to do it all over and start my journey again, i would do it to serve with my sisters. thank you. a few good women. thank you. [applause] >> bring it back on down a little bit. soldiers, sailors, airmen, ladies and gentlemen, those serving, those who served in the

past, there is to support our troops, thank you for being here today. it is a great day to be at arlington. i have fond memories of this place. i was lucky enough to be here for the dedication of the women's memorial. it has been a special place in my heart since then. i have attended special events here. i had my retirement ceremony here at the end of june. as i just retired officially on november 1, i am reflect back on my career of almost 42 years of service. i can think of nothing but the good and fantastic times i did have. it is easier to forget all the struggles, the tough times, the difficulties, being away from family, being away from home. you can always remember the happy times, the adventures, the sites we got to see, and the friends and comrades that were made along the way. when i joined the coast guard almost 22 years ago, i had no

idea where i was going. i went into it not knowing anything about the service, not having too many family members talking about the military. it was something that i was going to try out. apparently its stock. it turned out -- apparently, it stoppuck. it turned out well for me. anytime there is some kind of patriotic music on, whether it is the start of a nascar race or anything else, might sons or standing at attention. they are either saluting where they had their hands over their hearts. that means a lot to me that my husband and i can bring that -- can and bring that into our children that they can be patriotic. it means something to be part of

this country. i am during the motorcycle's right now. rolling thunder will come up to the streets of downtown d.c. next year. they know how special our veterans and our military people are. as you can say, they both decided to go camouflage for this event. come on up here. [applause] i was very fortunate -- my husband is also active duty. the times i was on ship, he was a short. the times i was on ship, -- the times he was on a ship, i was a sshore. cooper has more seats time that a lot of people. i was about five months pregnant

when i got off the ship with them in my belly. you can say he served some underway time already. like many other military members, says the day i joined all i wanted to do was the best job that i could. it did not matter what my assignments were, when i started out as a seaman apprentice, when i was doing the hard and dirty job i just did the best job i always could. it worked out. i had a very good career along the way. there were some difficulties. as family and friends who have been proud of what i have done. i think that is what a lot of veterans or. they are just doing the best job they can. they are selfless. a sacrifice. they are people that you want to know. the people i have met along the way, i trust them to watch my back any time. that is held military folks are.

pedicel veterans are. they give selflessly over and over. to sing all of these folks here that have served in the paths, thank you. thank you for giving and giving as much as you can. the pride and experiences i did have in my career are indescribable. they really are. the places i have been, getting away from home, going from one coast to the other coast, going out to sea, pulling into foreign countries. most people do not get to experience that. i am very lucky and fortunate that i got to do this for my country. really, it was a privilege to do what i could for my country. i was not just booking at what my country could do for me. i was seeing what i could do for

it. along the way, it was great for me. with that in mind, i will keep it short. i want to salute on this very special day in this very special place all of our coast guardsmen that are out here today, not only guarding the home front -- you can see them in their boats guarding the whole land. we also have them overseas. the coast guard is a small service. you do not hear a lot about us. until maybe see a rescue at sea or a cruise ship that is being towed in. [laughter] or things like that. the coast guard is out there doing many missions every day. it has always been exciting. i also want to, again, just say thank you to all of our other veterans.

our sailors, our soldiers, and our airmen, and to our future sailors, soldiers, and m&m will come along the way. thank you very much. >> thank you. i'm very pleased to have with us chief master sgt denise jelinski-hall. she represents more than 432,000 soldiers and airmen in that position. the chief had an interesting pattern of assignments.

she was born in minnesota, in a listed in the air force, went to the air force base in texas, completed air-traffic control training at the air force base in nebraska. she then transferred to the california air national guard in 1987. and would you believe that she then went to the hawaii national guard in 1990? and she has been there until this assignment. i want you to be aware that we have snow and ice in this area. [laughter] best wishes. i[applause] >> i must say i am certainly not nervous about this day, but might keep are chattering. your blood really thins out

after three years on the west coast and almost 20 years in hawaii. yes, we are going to have to work on that. honey, tonight, the electric blanket. good afternoon. distinguished guests, honored veterans, good afternoon and welcome to today's ceremony. it is with an overwhelming sense of honor and deep sense of gratitude that i have been given this privilege of sharing a few moments with you on this special thaday. today we pause to honor those who have worn the uniform serving in armed forces of the united states of america. we gather to pay solemn tribute to their patriotism, love of country, and for the many sacrifices made so that america will always remain the land of the free and home of the brave.

it is sitting today that we meet -- is fitting today that we meet on the how the grounds of arlington national cemetery to remember those brave men and women who have gone before us. thousands live here in peace, having made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom the world over. at the pages of history will reflect the american soldiers, marines, sailors, airmen, and coastguardsman that are not like any other military. we have not fought for a king, for pay, for plunder, or for land. since the founding of our nation, our service men and women have fought to defend our freedom and freedom of others around the world. in 2003, at the world economic forum in switzerland, general colin powell described it sang,

"our record of living, our values of inspiration to others is clear, and i don't think i have anything to be ashamed of or apologize for with respect to what america has done for the world. we have gone forth from our shores repeatedly over the last 100 years, and we have done this as recently as the last year in afghanistan and put wonderful men and women at risk, many of wh have lost their lives, and we have asked them nothing except enough ground to bury the mem in." today, many questioned our intentions. in truth, they should ask themselves this -- is there any other country in the world whose freedom has not been partially paid for in blood by american servicemen and women?

freedom the world over will exist only if the american military remains the strong arm and compassionate heart for those who are too weak and a pressed to defend themselves. while we are those who serve before us and those serving now, it is especially poignant for me to be here at this memorial that honors women in uniform. little did margaret in 1779 know that women would make up 14.3% of america's active duty forces and 15.1% of guard and reserves. that is a total of over 280,000 women serving in our military. today, there are over 1 million veterans, and i am proud to be here with you today to honor them. our nation's finest rest here in

arlington national cemetery, having given their last full devotion of duty. it made our country never forget their courage and selfless sacrifice. the late president kennedy told our nation, "my fellow americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." the woman lying here in the eternal rest, those buried in hundreds of cemeteries across the country are veterans, and those in uniform today answered with a resounding response. listen to their voices. they are saying, sleep in peace tonight, america. the wolf will not come through the door. it not on our watch. today, america's service women stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers in uniform. we serve and protect our home front and deploy downrange in combat, adding to the illustrious history of the american fighting woman. in order to fully understand and

appreciate where we are today, let us pause and reflect back on the legacy of those brave women who came before us. one of the first woman to officially served in the military did so in secret. lucy brewer became the first woman to serve in the marine corps, disguised as a donahoe man. she served in a marine detachment aboard the u.s.s. constitution during the war of 1812. in 1917, loretta and listed in the navy. twin sisters joined the coast guard. in august, 1918, " bird johnson in listed as the first woman in the net is states marine corps reserve. -- in the united states marine corps reserve. ester enlisted in the first hour and the first day that the regular air force was authorized

in 1948. capt. normal parsons became the first female and the national guard in 1956. first the 10 soviet marie saint charles joined in 1957. -- first lieutenant sylvia maris st. charles joined the 1957. i think the best explanation can be found which said, "do not follow where the path may lead. go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." these women were true trailblazers. in the face of much opposition and joining a man's world, that overcame countless obstacles to serve with honor and distinction. the questions for those of us serving today is simple -- what path will we blaze? looking out on the faces before may, i see pride.

honor, and determination. it just as our predecessors did, when you are confronted with a situation that calls for strength of character, i know that you will respond as they did. you'll make the right decision. you are blazing a new path for those who follow. if confronting challenges it is easy, no. is it comfortable? definitely not. is it necessary? always. when you are confronted with such a situation, recall the words of president abraham lincoln. "courage is not the absence of fear. is going of board in the face of fear." when the japanese attacked pearl harbor, bombs were exploding and machine-gun fire shredded buildings, wooded and dying service member lying everywhere.

fear and death were all around. the overwhelming devastation did not stop the chief of the army nurse corps to answer the call with bravery and courage under fire. she became the first woman to receive the purple heart for outstanding performance of duty and meritorious acts but extraordinary fidelity. the same was true for first bataan that cordelia cook. she was awarded the purple heart and the bronze star, becoming the first woman to receive two awards. in 1940 through -- in 1943, the tenet elsie received a medal for army nurse. women serve honorably but we were not treated equally. most of the services have special names for the organizations. they were women army corps and

women's accepted for voluntary emergency service in the navy. they were women auxiliaries flying squadron in the army air corps and women joined the marine corps and administrative roles under the slogan, " free a man to fight." they were not considered = and said -- to continue to voluntarily served a defense of a nation that continue to prove their mettle. in 1959, the first female master chief entered the navy. during the 1960's, the first female army sergeant major. the first master gunnery sergeant in the marines and chris peterson became the first air force. senior force. professionals all, disciplined, dedicated, and committed to excellence. these women broke barriers and defiled traditional -- and defied traditional roles for

females in the military. they rose to the highest level of enlisted ranks in positions of responsibility. these women epitomized part of a famous " by helen keller, but are the antithesis of its conclusion. at that famous quote stated, "when one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has opened for us." these women were not stopped by closed doors. they did whatever it took to break down doors and create new opportunities for women. today, we must continue to do the same. the stereotypical role of women in the military was beginning to change, but the 1970's ushered in a new chapter for women in the military. several women all became the

first female officers and their at respected services. another glass ceiling had been shattered. female firsts have not just that about promotions. a master sergeant volunteered for duty in viet nam and became the first woman marine ordered into a combat zone. the navy had their first full qualified female fighter pilot. air force graduates became the first woman b-52 bomber pilot. and the first woman to command u.s. navy ship. more recently, in 2005, sergeant leanne hester, a military police officer in the kentucky army national guard, became the first female soldier and was awarded the silver star since world war ii. in 2008, the first female four-

star general officer in the united states military. this is just a small part of the history of the american fighting woman. this is our history. as we look back in time and reflect on the significant contributions of servicewoman, let me say how proud i am to wear the uniform that represents the united states of america and to serve my country. it is my honor to stand on the shoulders of great american service women who made it possible for females to serve in leadership positions. i will continue to share the her wrote stories of women so that generations to come will know of their tremendous sacrifice to this nation. veterans day gets us an opportunity to thank all veterans and to pay respect to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. it is also at an appropriate time to recognize and thank our families. many times it is the military

family that carries the heavy burden, and for that weay thank you. thank you. it is because of that strong support and the dedication of our military men and women that freedom has been spread around the world. today, we are soldiers, marines, sailors, airmen, and coast guardsmen, americans all wearing the uniform of the finest military in the world, serving with courage, conner, and distinction -- courage, honor, and distinction, deploying alongside our brothers. we are driving convoys, many security posts, flying combat missions, conducting medevacs. women have new roles and responsibilities, like the first female sniper in the u.s. military. we're putting our lives on the line every day, as it should be.

we continue to build the legacy of the american fighting woman, but it has come at a steep price. over 80 women were killed in the battle during the civil war and spanish american war. hundreds of women lost their lives in world war i and world war ii. during the korean war in vietnam war, more than 35 women lost their lives serving their country. today, over 130 women warriors have paid their last full measure of devotion to duty in iraq and afghanistan, and hundreds more have been maimed and when did. single women, mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, wives, and sweet hearts. they died so that others may live free. they gave their lives to ensure the last line of president lincoln's gettysburg address will remain true throughout all

eternity. that line reads, "this nation, under god, should have a new birth of freedom, and that the government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth." let me close by saying it has been my privilege being here with you today, honoring aren't military men and women who have written carnations -- honoring our military men and women who have written our history. it is an honor to be wearing this uniform and protecting our nation. it has been and will continue to be an honor serving next to you. may god bless you, your families, and may continue to bless the united states of america. thank you. [applause]

>> someday, they will and that one of these things that goes up automatically when you get in front of it. in april, cancer took one of the nation's leading advocates for veterans and women veterans when it retired air force master sergeant a lot washburn died. -- air force master sergeant delilah washburn died. she was the recipient of numerous awards in recognition of innovation that she implemented in veterans' support. she was an advocate and supporter of the women's memorial foundation. long after most would have given up hope fighting cancer, she continued working and participating in the organizations that meant so much to her. our coverage was something that i will long remember, because

she was a friend. the disabled veterans national foundation has donated funds for a plaque to be placed on a chair in the theater. her close friend and now president of the foundation, her mother, two aunts, a cousin, and other friends and foundation board members are here to finalize this action. and further at this time, rose petals from her funeral service will now be placed in the reflecting pool by a close friend and her mother. so if you would -- somewhere, we should have the plaque.

>> delilah washburn, master sergeant, retired. and that will be placed on the chair. [applause]

>> putting rose petals in a pool is something we normally do in

our memorial day service, but we made a special exception today for this occasion. thank you very much. and now we have a wreath at was provided by the gold star wives in honor of america's veterans and that will be brought forward. doing this is kim frazier, the national president, and martha, r.e board ougchai

so please stand for the benediction, by the chaplain, and this will be followed by the playing of "taps." >> receive now the benediction. god bless america, the land that we love. stand beside her and guide her with the light from above. and made the light of god shine upon each of us. made the light of god. as peace and safety. this is my prayer in god's holy name, amen. ["taps" plays]

>> tomorrow on c-span, a look at the future of health care at an event hosted by the alliance for health reform. participants will be from the american enterprise student and a representative from aarp. live coverage begins at 12:15 eastern on c-span and c- span.org. >> in one of his first live tv appearances, george w. bush on his memoir, discussing the critical decisions of his administration and his personal life. live from miami-dade college,

sunday at 4:00 p.m. eastern, on c-span2. this weekend, american history tv visits the eleanor roosevelt papers project to show how the first lady used the media to communicate her ideas. we will see how very different thinking american and british leadership work together to defeat the nazis. that a conference on the civil war and the experience of free and slave african-americans. the daylong symposium on the civil war from the national archives, discussing the impact of the war. american history tv, all weekend, every weekend, on c- span3. >> the american legion executive director was our guest on the "washington journal" this veterans day. this is half an hour. executive director of

the american legion, peter gaytan, on veteran's day, to talk about veterans issues including veterans health-care and more. thanks for coming. how many veterans are there in america right now? how big is the veterans' health care service? guest: we are creatin new veterans every day. as the numbers increase daily, our obligation as a nation increases to make sure we provide the benefits they have earned for their service. if you ask about the veterans affairs administration, what the american legion tries to do is ensure that the va is capable of moving its mission to american service members. meeting held care obligations if, the benefits obligations such as the gi bill. the american legion is the author of the original service members be adjustment act of 1944. we take great pride in that

accomplishment. that adjustment act went on to create what we know as the american middle class. it allowed veterans returning from the second world war to come back to transition easily into the civilian community and to find jobs, go to school, purchase a house, start a business, and provide for their families. our understanding of the country to assist veterans as they returned has helped our country to become strong as it is through our accomplishments in the middle class. the original g.i. bill has created thousands of doctors, teachers, engineers. we as a nation cannot ignore how beneficial that was to the establishment of our country in the 1950's. what the american legion would like to do is to balance the focus from our past accomplishments with what we

understand is our obligation to this new era of veterans, this new generation if we create every day. we need to understand that there transition issues need to be addressed. that we as a nation have a continuing obligation to meet their needs. if we provide those services, we will insure that our country will remain strong. in showing our appreciation for the sacrifices made by the men and women, but showing that we don't forget our citizens who have chosen to wear the uniform and defend our freedom. host: 23 million u.s. veterans currently. we are spending $124 miion a year on veterans services, health care, etc. is it necessary for the va to be separate from the regular health care system? guest: there is a need.

as a nation, when we ask a service member to go to a foreign country, a young americans, to defend our freedom for someone -- or for someone's freedom in another country, we don't ask if they are ready to go. they pick up that pride of service and they go without question. we as a nation should not question the cost that it would take us to provide for them when they return from combat. that caused its parts of war. the continuing cost of war is relative to what we provide for our veterans. your other questions about two health-care programs, i think so. the american public needs to understand that because of the va health-care system stand- alone and providing quality service, has improved considerably since the vietnam era. no longer less than adequate

facilities. the va is cutting edge. it's making progress not only for american veterans. it is responsible for recent developments that benefit the entire country. the initial artificial heart, that was at the v.a. hospital. a lot of progress that you see in the medical environment of the nation comes from the department of veterans affairs medical facilities. we need to keep in mind that the va is a training ground for a large percentage of civilian practitioners, medical practitioners get their training through the department of veterans affairs. investment but the nation makes into the department benefits into our country. host: we have set aside the fourth line for veterans, especially iraq and afghanistan. do you want to hear from some

veterans -- newer veterans. when was the american legion formed and what's the history of veterans day? guest: the american legion was formed in 1919 by veterans who came back to realize there was strength in numbers. it wanted to make sure their brothers were taken care of, that they had stand together as veterans in this nation to make sure that their needs are not forgotten, to make sure the sacrifices they made our not forgotten, but they have assistance when they return to transition back to the civilian community. veterans day was initially on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month after world war roman one. world war ii. we cannot forget the sacrifices. calvin college said the

nation that forbids its defenders will be forgotten -- calvin coolidge. host: go on with your question. caller: i have been calling your show recently for the last -- since 1993 through 2005. i have been stating that the va has been tearing up my claim forms. each time i tell someone that, they never are concerned on who did that. it is a shame. host: timothy, are you having trouble with the va and would you like to know what the american legion's role in that is? them.e been to all of

all of them seem to be working with this one conglomerate group that is, hey, the veteran is a liar and does not know what he's talking about. it is set that they can come on television and pretend -- is sad that they can't pretend nothing is happening. host: do you work with veterans with issues with the va? guest: we do. the individuals credited by the american legion to help people like timothy to help them develop their claims, to submit their claims to the department of veterans affairs so they can get the help they need, so they will have access to the gulf today deserve fans that they have earned. timothy, don't let this discourage you. what he's dealing with false a

lot on the need for improved treach. veterans' service organizations like the american legion need to provide stronger of reach to every generation of veterans, to let them know there's someone they can come to for free assistance in developing their health care claim. contact your department of the american legion in your state and ask for that assistance. the american legion every day provides quality assistance. host: have you seen an increase in the need for mental health services and in mental health funding? guest: they are seeing an influx of mental health care needs it. that goes back to a lot of what mr. hunter explained previously about the landscape of war that the soldiers are dealing with as well as marines and navy personnel. the battlefield is a lot different now. in militarytrained specialty and be deployed.

you are in a large combat zone, an urban warfare environment, more talented being -- more prone to being exposed to combat. the american legion is taking a strong focus on traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress right now. we have created a committee of former military veterans, a prominent legionnaires. people with family members serving. we want to understand where we are putting our resources in the country to determine the increase in the conditions and we want to be part of the solution. we want to reduce the stigma of mental health problems. a lot of soldiers are afraid to toit it and they don't want

affect their military career. we want them to ask for assistance. host: chip on the independent line from nashville. ♪ i'm calling about a treatment for c.t.s. de that was developed at a va hospital in the 1990's that head and 85% success rate in resolving issues for the veterans that went for treatment that is not being used at the va today. so this is effectively a cure. i am a veteran. my father was a veteran during world war ii. my grandfather was a veteran. i meet soldiers as i travel extensively for business all the time. it was developed by a doctor named eugene canistandkeniston. host: why do you think it's not being used?

caller: because it is a paradigm shift technology that was developed at a time when biofeedback was at the basis of the treatment was not recognized by the medical community as legitimate treatment. host: where should people go for more information? caller: i don't have a good answer for that. that is why i called when i heard there was someone from the american legion. i think the american legion could become the focal point to get this information out to veterans. i have a psychologist friend working afford good. he has begun a pilot program to bring back the treatment. -- a friend working at fort hood. i addressed the then-senator obama about the issue at an american legion post in chicago and number of years ago. nothing was ever done about it. someone needs to take a hold of

this. these men and women with pete yazdi are suffering unnecessarily in the face of there being a treatment of this quality. host: we have the point. guest: thanks for your advocacy. what you are saying is what the american legion is focusing on. i mentioned are and how a committee. we are setting the groundwork for that committee right now. we want to consider the other options that we may not be considering. those options that may not be traditional medical care of, but are showing improvement for lives of those veterans suffering from pts ansd tbi. the american legion is making progress in other areas that are not being considered, such as highbridge derek treatment. -- such asken -- hyperbaric treatment.

we have spoken to veterans and their families suffering. once they had hyperbaric treatment, their life improved for the better. the spouse's income i have my husband back. if that is because the optional treatment was there for them to explore. we don't need to stay blinded. let's look at other options. we are dealing with a different era of veterans dealing with long deployments. i welcome the opportunity to discuss that with you more. you can trust that the american legion will provide outreach and locate those veterans and their families. host: robert from georgia, go- ahead. caller: i want to thank our armed forces and veterans today.

the amount of gratitude that i have for them it's phenomenal. i am disabled with brain injuries. i was in the program. if people decided to be an optimist rather than the victim. i believe that we with pts can be overachievers if we set our minds to it. as far as military and coming back, i have put forth a program called young enterprises community stabilization that addresses the issue of housing. in january of 2007 it. i tried to work with the government on that on the

contractors and so forth. essentially, my heart is with helping veterans to make the transition and into society. host: thank you. guest: your spirit is encouraging. i hope other veterans have heard you calling and will take the spirit you have and take it on themselves. to ask themselves. that is what the american legion focuses on. the american legion is right behind the secretary and his support of eliminating homeless veterans in the next five years. we have a program in the state of pennsylvania. ron has started a widespread homeless assistance program where we have transition homes for veterans while they're getting back on their feet, so they can find jobs and learn to care for themselves. there will be able to rebuild their lives.

host: are all veterans and title to healthcare from the va with no service? guest:no. the v-8 enrollment eligibility is based on priority groups. those priority groups are defined by the injury. the best way for me to not miss speak on eligibility is to visit the va website to determine eligibility requirements for different priority groups it. a large amount of veterans were shut out of eligibility because we don't have service-connected injuries, such as myself. that's not available to us. host: next call for peter gaytan, american director of the american legion. buffalo. caller: good morning, peter and

good morning, peter. i am a vietnam veteran. i am service-connected. i go to the inheritance center in missouri. -- harry truman center. i have been trying have been8 teeth pulled for year. i cannot afford it because i'm on disability, low-income. i cannot get them to do it. my primary doctor. i had mercury fillings when i was in basic training. that could make it service- connected right there. all i ask them to do was pull

eight teeth. guest: sorry you are struggling with dental care at the va. ghz talk to the veterans patient advocates at your va hospital. then talk to the american legion you can access dental care that you need. you know that in basic training that you received a dental care, so that should be relative to your eligibility to resubmitting your claim so you can get the treatment. host: has the american legion taken a position on "don't ask, don't tell"? guest: it has taken the opinion to wait for no decisions be made by any circuit court, but for the country to wait until the review of the court is done. for those individuals to assess that and provide their recommendation.

we look forward to an outcome for those individuals, to review that and make a decision that would benefit service members. the american legion post main concern is the safety of service members. host: what about the rightness or wrongness of a conflict? >> no. veterans is what the american legion is about and their families. so did the nation does not forget their obligation to the men and women serving in uniform and that we support active-duty troops and their families no matter what conflict. host: cheryl on the line. caller: thanks to all the veterans, especially my husband who flew aircraft carriers in vietnam. i lost the young man that i loved who died in vietnam in

1966. and my father, a veteran of the second world war. he died on october 19. i wrote to tammy a week before his death. he had dementia and a significant health care problem. we applied for a medical attention an entire year before he died. he wrote to her saying that it appears parts of the procedure was to delay and request over and over again for the same record until the veteran dies. the people that are most misused -- democratic and republican presidents have lied to the american people. those that paid the price are

the young men and women who served, and their families. no matter how many times duncan hunter wants to say how successful things were, if iraq did not have oil, if george bush did not want to take out saddam hussein because he wanted to be a war president and there's a new book called "family energys," and detainee's task force -- and dick cheney's energy task force said getting that oil was number one on their list. it's a disservice to the young men and women serving our country. host: thanks for calling. guest: thanks for the sacrifice of your family members.

you are upset with the delays in the claims processing. that the va is taking too long to award claims to disabled veterans. the american legion is in full agreement with you. we should not have a process that forces veterans to wait a year or two. those veterans have paid the price. they did not ask any questions when they went to serve their country. we should not delay their delivery of benefits. the american legion is working with secretary shinseki to develop a paperless claims process that will allow veterans to submit. there have been accomplishments lately in agent orange disability. the va is looking at that as a pilot program to streamline the claims process to allow victims to receive benefits in a timely manner. that is so that individuals you

mentioned do not die before they receive benefits. host: we are excited to welcome the new treatment facility in french camp, calif. desperately necessary for our veterans. now, michael in michigan, go- ahead. caller: good morning. i am service-connected 100%. i volunteer for an elderly gentleman who is 92 years old, blind, world war ii. i've been taking into his appointments. he spent time in the hospital in ann arbor, michigan at the vip. we --at the va. he's in a wheelchair, not really aware of what's happening to him. i reminded the doctor that he is

very ill. the doctor got very upset. he made a false reports to the social services at a hospital that i was a businessman and taking his money. -- that i was abusing this veteran and taking his money. it was a big investigation. his family and i got together and drew up power of attorney so that i could continue, because the charges were false. now i have this hanging over my head. i feel like somebody reached out my guts. guest: it is disheartening. but it's heartening to hear that a veteran is helping another veteran in need. what you are doing is a testament to your obligation to the nation and to american

veterans. thank you for that. i want to mention that what you are doing in terms of delivery of service to your friend is something the american legion has focused on in the past. we started a program called i am not a number, years ago to find out how the cari is at your local va hospital. from that survey we developed the system worth saving. we have a field service staff from the american legion that goes to the vietnam hospitals. what we do is determine is their quality of care being met and is that karen being delivered in a timely manner? we speak with caregivers and we speak with members of congress. we want to get staff to each individual facility to make sure they are meeting their obligations to american veterans.

that's why the american legion provides outreach, to focus on exactly where attention needs to be given in terms of va being able to provide care in a timely manner. host: the fact that we have homeless veterans is a sin. guest: contact your department of the american legion in your state. american legion takes homeless veterans as a major priority. that email is correct. it is a disgrace to the nation the anyone who swhas worn uniform >> tomorrow, martin critsinger

on "washington journal". deborah hersman, chairman of the national transportation safety board. tomorrow morning on c-span. next on c-span. the president spoke to u.s. troops in south korea. then, vice-president biden at the ceremony at the tomb of the unknowns at arlington national cemetery. observances at the vietnam veterans memorial on the national mall. >> in an ideal world, the fact that there were people at the mortgage market would have said -- made people say, wow. the market was opaque enough that people could not see the

way it can see it in the stock market. because of the way these instruments worked, you are not bidding on real mortgages. you were betting on the casino bar version of a market. >> in 2003, bethany mclain road about -- wrote about the financial crisis. >> the c-span networks. providing coverage of politics, nonfiction books, and american history. all available to you on television, radio, on line, and on social media networking sites. finder content any time through the c-span video library. we take c-span on the road with our bus and local content vehicle. bringing resources to your community. washington your way. the c-span were -- networks. greeted by cable, provided as a public service.

-- created by cable, provided as a public service. >> president obama spoke to u.s. troops and korean war veterans at the u.s. army garrison in yongsan. the president is in south korea to attend the g-20 summit. this is 20 minutes. this is 20 minutes. >> hello, yongsan. [applause] it is wonderful to be here. did a round of applause -- give the a round of applause for that great introduction. [applause] a few other people i want to make mention of -- we are so proud and what to thank our outstanding representatives here in the republic of korea,

ambassador kathleen segm igmund. give her a big round of applause. [applause] a former colleague of mine in the illinois state senate who is now a congressman from the great state of illinois, peter is with us today. give him a big round of applause. [applause] re.re he is up their period general ung is here. give him a big round of applause. [applause] a few other people i want to give thanks to, general don --nson, the sergeant-major

we are so proud to have with us the veterans of the korean war. we are honored by their presence. [applaus i want to make special mention of onef them -- the congressional medal all honor recipient. give him an extraordinary round of applause. [applause]

it is an enormous honor to be here. i have no greater pleasure i have no greater privilege then serving as the commander in chief of one of the finest military is the world has ever known. on this veterans day, there is no place i would rather be than right here with u.s. forces korea. we had the eighth army in the house. [applause] we have the u.s. navy forces korea. [applause] we have just about every marine in south korea is here today. [applause] happy birthday, marines, by the way. we have a whole lot of civilians, too. we are very proud of you. [applause]

it is good to see some spouses and family members in the audience. [applause] you bear the burden of your loved ones service. an empty chair at the dinner table or another holiday where mom or dad or someplace far away. i want you to know that this nation recognizes the sacrifis of family as well. we are grateful for your service as well. on this day, we honor every man and woman who has ever worn the uniform of the united states of america. we salute fall heroes. we keep in our prayers those who are still in harm's way like the men and women serving in iraq and afghanistan. we recall axed of uncommon

bravery and selflessness. we also remember that honoring those that served is about more than the words we say on veterans day war memorial day. it is about how we treat our veterans every single day of the year. we make sure they had the care they need and the benefits that they have earned when they come home. it is about serving all of you as well as you have served the united states of america. this has been one of my highest priorities since taking oice. it is why i ask forne of the largest increases in the va budget in the past 30 years. it is why we are improving care for wounded warriors. especially those with post- traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. it is why we are working to eliminate the backlog at the va and reforming the entire process

with electronic claims and medical records. it is why there are fewer homeless veterans of the street than there were two years ago. it is why there are nearly 400,000 veterans and their families the went to college because of the post-911 gi bill. i want all of you to note that when you come home your country will be there for you. that is the commitment i made to you as commander in chief. that is the sacred trust between the united states of america and all who defend its ideas. the trust has been forged in places far from our shores. from the beaches of europe to the jungles of vietnam to the deserts' of a rock and afghanistan -- to the gutters of iraq and afghanistan -- to be deserts' of iraq and

afghanistan. within three days they have captured soul. by the end of the next month, they had driven the korean army all the way south. from where things stood in the summer of 1950, it did not appear that the republic of korea would survive much longer. at the time many americans had probably never heard of rea. it had only been five years since we had finished fighting the last war. but we knew that if we allowed the unprovoked invasion of a free nation that all three nations wod be threatened. for the first time since its creaon, the united nations voted to use armed forces to repel the attacks on north korea. on september 15, 1950, american forces landed. the conditions they fall under

were some of the worst that americans had ever experienced. the temperatures reached more than 30 below zero in the winter and over 100 degrees in the summer. many of our troops and allies were out manned by as much as 20-one. at one point they were hit with artillery shells every day. by the end, the vikings had sometimes evolved into trench warfare. -- by the end of th fighting had sometimes evolve into trench warfare. nearly 37,000 americans would give their lives in korea -- 37,000. but after three years of fighting, our forces finally defeated the invading armies and drove them back over the 38th parallel. one more historian said that while he believed career was the greatest of all trials for

american troops, their performance was nothing short of miraculous. many men were responsible for this miracle and they were only teenagers. others had just finished fighting in the second world war. most would go home to raise their families and lived out their lives. 62 veterans of the korean war have returned to be with us today. [applause] gentlemen, we are honored by ur presence. we are grateful for your service. the world is better off because of what you did here. for those who can, i uld ask again that you received t

thanks of a grateful nation. -- that you receive the thanks of a grateful nation. they are all standing now. it looks like they are doing great. please give them a big round of applause. [applause] i also want to recognize the korean soldiers to battle side- by-side with our own. these men fought bravely and sacrifice greatly for tir country. some of them have joined us here as well. thank you, friends. [applause]

[speaking korean] we go together. [applause] the veterans who have traveled here today assault battles on the perimeter. they survived the bloodshed at heartbre ridge in the ambush at the reservoir. at one point in that battle, the enemy tossed a grenade into a trench where multiple marines late winded. that is where private hector ran into that stretch, picked up that grenade, and threw it back. detonated it in his hand and severely injured his arm. but because of what he did, the served in the lives of his fellow marines. he received the medal of honor

for his terrorism. he is here today. again, please give them a round of applause. -- please give him a round of applause. [applause] each of these men sort their nation with incredible courage and commitment. -- served their nation with incredible courage and commitment. they risked their lives in what is often called the forgotten war. we all want u to know this -- we remember. we remember your courage, we remember your sacrifice and the legacy of your service lives on

in a free and prosperous republic of korea. real change comes forward. many people do not live to see the difference they have made in the lives of others. but for the men and women who have served on this peninsula, all you have to do is look around if you are a veteran who landed in 1950 for one of the young troops today, the security is provided has made possible one of the great success stories of our time. there are koreans who can still remember when this country was a little more than rice paddies and villages that would flood during monsoon season. now highways and skyscrapers line that one of the most prosperous, fastest growing democracies in all the world. that progress has transformed the lives of millions of people. you should know that one of

these people is a man that went from grinding poverty to the presidency of this country. when i visited last year, i had lunch with president lee 2 i will be seen later today. he shared a story of what itas like growing up as a child in korea. he said, "i hope the american people understand how grateful we are for what you ha done because we would not be the strong prosperous nation we are at not for the sacrificesade by the men and women of the united states military." that is from the president of this country. because the korean war ended where it began, geographically some began to use a phrase to deribe the sacrifices of those who fought here. as we look around this democracy at its grateful, hopeful citizens, this was no tie, this

was a victory. it was a victory then, and i is a victory today. 50 years later, a french ship that was forced in a war has become an alliance that has led to gater security and untold progressnot only in the republic of korea, but throughout asia. that is something everyone here can be extraordinarily proud of. it is also a reminder of what lies on the other side of the 38th parallel. today the korean peninsula provides the world's greatest conflict between a society that is open at a society that disclosed. between a nation that is dynamic and gwing and a government that would rather starve its people than change. the contrast is so stark you can see it from space. as the brilliant lights of sold give way to the utter darkness of the north -- pregnant mice of seoul give -- brilliant lights

of seoul give way to the utter darkness of the north. in the wake of aggression, there should be no mistake. the united states will never waver on our commitments to the security of the republic of korea. we will not waver. [applause] the alliance between our two nations has never been stronger and along with the rest of the world we have made it clear that the north korean pursuit of nuclear weapons will only lead to more isolation and less security for them. there is another path available to north korea. if they choose to fulfill their international obligationsnd commitments to the international communit they will have the chance to offer their people

opportunity instead of pressure. a future that includes the prosperity and opportunity available to citizens on this end of the korean peninsula. until that day comes, the world can take comfort in knowing that the men and women of the united states armed forces or standing watch on freedom of st. frontier. in doing so you carry on the legacy of service and sacrifice that we saw from those provided here all those years ago. it is a legacy we honor and chish on this veterans day. at the korean war -- at the korean memorial in washington there is a plaque that list the number of americans were killed, when did, missing in action, and held as prisoners of war. it says, "our nation honors its sons and daughters to answer the call to defend a country they never knew and the people they never met."

a country they never knew and a people they never met. i know of no better words to capture the selflessness and generosity of every man or woman who has ever wore the uniform of thunited states of america. at a time when there has never -- at a time when it has never been more tempting to pursue self-interest and personal ambion, all of you here remind us that there are few things that are more fundamentay american than doing what we can to make a difference in the lives of others. that is why you will always be the best that america has to offer the world and that is why people who have never met you and never do you will always be grateful to the friend and ally they found in the united states of america. thank you for your service. may god bless you and may god bless the united states of america. thank yo [applause]

>> tomorrow, a look at the future of health care at an event hosted by the alliance for health reform. participants will include norm ornstein. live coverage begins at 12:15 p.m. eastern at c-span and c- span.org. >> georgia bush on his memoirs, as the president discuss the critical decisions of his administration and personal life. live from miami dade college on c-span2. >> as the country marks veterans

day, learn more brought the holiday and the men and women who served in the military with the c-span video library. oral histories, authors on the nation's wars, and veterans day commemorations through the years. all searchable, all free on your computer any time. >> with president obama traveling in asia, vice- president joe biden presided over the annual veterans day ceremony at arlington national cemetery. veterans affairs secretary eric shinseki in the commander of the u.s. army and military district of washington also participated. this is about one hour. [gunshots]

>> ladies and gentlemen, vice- president biden has arrived. he is being greeted by eric shinseki.

and the commanding general of united states army, military district of washington.

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>> shoulder arms. >> shoulder flag.

[drum roll] [trumpet plays "taps"]

>> right shoulder arms.

>> forward march.

color guard left wheel. holt. -- halt. present arms. present flags. order forms. -- order arms. order flags.

>> commanders, take charge of your units. ♪ [singing "battle hymn of the [singing "battle hymn of the