A Holiday Message from the Acting Surgeon General of the Navy

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Shipmates,

On Saturday, we will celebrate Veterans Day and honor all the men and women who have served to protect America’s interests and preserve our personal liberty.

Originally known as “Armistice Day,” it was first celebrated in November 1919 to mark the end of the First World War.

It was envisioned as a day of reflection filled with “solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with the gratitude for the victory” as remarked by President Woodrow Wilson. It was on Armistice Day in 1921, that the U.S. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery was first dedicated. Over time, it became a day to honor all patriots, past and present. In 1954, it was renamed “Veterans Day,” a day to honor all veterans from all wars and a chance to celebrate the actions, the patriotism, and most of all, the service of our veterans.

We are all part of a force ensuring that we are maintaining, training, and equipping combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression, and defending freedom of the seas – throughout the globe and in support of the National Defense Strategy.

We would not be who we are today in Navy Medicine without you all and what you do- every day!

Today, every veteran and their family is owed a debt of gratitude for the service and sacrifices made on behalf of our nation. Let us honor them today and remember them always!

Have a wonderful Veterans Day weekend!

V/R,

RDML Darin Via

Acting Navy Surgeon General

Acting Chief, BUMED

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