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CNN Live Event/Special
Dick Cheney Speaks at Arlington National Cemetery
Aired November 11, 2001 - 11:32 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
MARTIN SAVIDGE, CNN ANCHOR: We want to interrupt CNN PRESENTS: "Soldiers of God" to bring you Vice President Dick Cheney speaking at Memorial Day services at Arlington National Cemetery -- that is, Veterans Day.
(JOINED IN PROGRESS)
DICK CHENEY, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: ... they endured the worst that war can bring -- massive casualties, merciless enemies, brutal captivity.
For some, the nation's gratitude seemed long in coming. Yet today, each one can know that his sacrifice is appreciated and his courage is honored.
More than a generation has passed since the war ended in Vietnam. Since that time, even since the war in the Persian Gulf, the technology of warfare has become far more complex and sophisticated.
Yet our most basic military asset has not changed at all.
It is the character, the daring and the resourcefulness of those who do the fighting.
No matter how complicated war might be, it always comes down to the ones who fly the planes, man the ships and carry the rifles. And our country's military has left a legacy like no other fighting force ever assembled.
The uniform they wear and the flag they carry are held in esteem wherever they have served, and that is their finest tribute. Across the world, the people who struggle and suffer, the sight of an American uniform has meant hope, relief and deliverance.
Now Americans must fight again. In this new century, war has come to us. The terrorists who attacked this country have declared themselves the mortal enemies of the United States and will be dealt with as such.
Americans have no illusions about the difficulties that lie ahead. We cannot predict the length or the course of the conflict. But we know with absolute certainty that this nation will persevere and we will prevail.
(APPLAUSE)
CHENEY: This Veterans Day finds America resolute, united and well-led. We have a president with strong character and clarity of purpose, a commander in chief every soldier and every veteran can be proud of.
(APPLAUSE)
CHENEY: The men and women who serve today can know that they have the complete confidence of the commander in chief and the respect of the entire nation. They know, too, that they follow a long, unbroken line of brave Americans who came to the defense of freedom.
The veterans who once followed that line now inspire the new generation of freedom's defenders. For that, we honor all veterans today.
And it is my privilege, on behalf of the president and the people of the United States of America, to thank them all.
(APPLAUSE)
SAVIDGE: You've been listening to the words of Vice President Dick Cheney as he overseas the services at Arlington National Cemetery on this Veterans Day. President George W. Bush, of course, in New York City, attending a memorial service on this, the second month marking the attack on the World Trade Center.
The vice president said that war has come to us, that Americans have no illusion about what lies ahead; but he promises that the U.S. will prevail. He also said that this Veterans Day finds America resolute, united, and well-led.
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