. the men and women of this department will not only continue to protect our country but also make sure we leave a more peaceful, promising, and prosperous world to our children to dream their dreams. we are standing for our shared values in europe facing those who would turn back the clock. we are standing with our friends and allies to turn back savagery in the middle east. in the asia-pacific where new powers rise and old tensions simmer and where half of humanity survive -- half of humanity resides, we are standing for the continuation of a decade-long miracle underwritten by the united states. in cyberspace, we are standing for those who create and innovate against those who seek to steal, destroy, and exploi

t. as technology and innovation revolutionize the way the world works, and as the pentagon budget tightens, we have the opportunity to open ourselves up to new ways of operating recruiting innovating, and much more. america is home to the world's most dynamic businesses and universities. we have to think outside this five sided box and be open to their best practices, ideas, and technologies. and as the 9/11 generation begins to leave our ranks, we also have the opportunity to attract gifted and idealistic future service members and civil servants, even as we honor the sacrifices of those who came before.

i have learned from my kids and my students that every generation is different. this one has no memory of the cold war and dim memories even of 9/11. but they still want to live lives of purpose and service. we must attract the best among them. when we realize all of these opportunities, previous generations, and my predecessors, some of the most honorable soldiers i have ever worked for -- bob gates, leon panetta, chuck hagel -- all of them have blessed us with a remarkable inheritance. a more secure country, a more secure institution, and the world's greatest military. and we over the same -- we we owe

the same for those who come after us. i will remember that until the end of present obama's second term in office. making each day worthy of our extraordinary men and women in uniform. we have some of our amazing soldiers sailors, airmen marines, and coast guardsmen here today. you -- you represent the finest fighting force the world has ever known and a deep line of warriors who have fought in lexington and concord, gettysburg and midway, falluja and helmand -- in the years ahead, your country will calling you to continue that tradition possibly sending you into harms way. my greatest obligation will be to help the commander-in-chief

make those decisions with wisdom and care, to get you what you mean to fight and win -- what you need to fight and win and ensure the welfare and dignity of you and your families. thank you for all that you do. thank you for the trust you place in me. i will do my best to live up to it. may god bless you, all of you and the united states of america. thank you. [applause]

>> thank you, secretary carter. ladies and gentlemen please remain standing for the medal of honor performed by the united states brass quintet. ♪ [indistinct lyrics]