This Monday is Veterans Day, a day when our nation unites to honor our service members past and present, remember their achievements and thank them for their sacrifice.
Since the first shots at Lexington and Concord were fired and our Revolutionary War began, American men and women have been answering the call to duty.
History teaches us that security doesn’t just happen. It demands effort, sacrifice, courage and commitment. It requires generations of men and women, willing to go to distant lands to, as the Korean War Memorial in Washington says, defend countries “they never knew and a people who they’ve never met.”
At Electric Boat, many of us have the privilege of working closely with the Navy’s submarine force, an organization comprising some of the best and brightest in the military.
We are keenly aware of the hazards they face as they perform their undersea missions – operating in an environment that could not be more hostile to human life. This awareness is the driving force behind our commitment to build the safest submarines possible. And it deepens the appreciation Electric Boat employees have for the contributions made to our nation by the submarine force, and every other member of our military.
As a company, Electric Boat has contributed directly to the defense of our nation and the freedoms we all cherish so much. Many of our co-workers have contributed even more by serving in our Armed Forces.
Having served as a Navy submariner, Veterans Day holds a special place in my heart. To me there is no greater honor than to wear the cloth of our nation. As I reflect on the many outstanding veterans I have known throughout my career, I am awed by their tremendous sacrifice to ensure the security of our nation. It is also a reminder to me to share my appreciation and gratitude with these individuals and especially their families.
To those who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces, we thank you for answering the call of duty, for your courage and for the extraordinary sacrifices you and your families have made on our behalf in the name of freedom, liberty and peace.
Kevin Graney
President
