We celebrate November 11th as Veterans Day in the US. Because I’m in India, I won’t be on hand to meet with Darden students today. But I want to express my gratitude to our veterans for their national service and for the experience and perspective that they bring to our community. And I would ask those around me to pause for a minute of silence in remembrance of wounded or fallen comrades. Because of such sacrifices, citizens of the US enjoy unusual freedom and rights such as those enumerated by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence: "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Take a moment today to reflect on the contributions of veterans in our community and on the notion that security of our rights is a gift, not an entitlement. And take a moment to thank a giver.
11 November 2010