Dear Friends and Supporters,
Veterans have lived for a purpose much bigger than themselves, and their supportive families have done so as well. Every day, the more than two million active duty and reserve personnel currently wearing the uniform commit to defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The price of service is not small, and they do so representing all who have served before them. Our military personnel freely sacrifice the asset of time for all of us. Time away from family, and loved ones. An asset they will never get back. Their lives are not what most Americans would consider a “normal” life, and their lives are shaped by our national policies. Policies they didn’t write. Like many of you, I am thankful for these citizens, and their families.
One of the most glorious, and inspiring aspects of our Nation’s history is the fact that such selfless guardians of freedom have answered the call to serve in every generation. My own family’s legacy of service dates back to World War II, and I am proud to have drawn on it as motivation for my own decision to serve. Today, I am overwhelmed with pride that my sons have decided, of their own free will, to carry on our familia tradition. Yet, we are not that unique. Like so many military families, ours is a multigenerational one, bound together by the blessed honor of serving in the U.S. military.
In the same way that the “Rodríguez familia” has been inspired by our ancestors, our mission at the Foundation is for the entire American “family” to recognize the heroic sacrifices of our Global War on Terrorism veterans. Once completed, our Memorial will fuel nationwide gratitude and reverence for all who have served in the Global War on Terrorism, which continues today.
In the meantime, on this Veterans Day, the entire Foundation team and I voice our deepest appreciation, for our veterans, regardless of the capacity in which you have served… a veteran is a veteran, and we love you all. With equal mixtures of pride, sanctity, reverence, and humility, we salute your devotion to country and praise your selfless dedication to the cause of freedom.
Gracias and Godspeed,
Michael “Rod” Rodríguez
President and CEO
Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation
