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Actor Jack Palance Dies; President Bush Speaks On Veterans Day; Donald Rumsfeld Will Be Replaced Right Away
Aired November 11, 2006 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
T.J. HOLMES, CNN ANCHOR: Yes, we're keeping an eye on that scene right there. The president and Mrs. Bush are at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. They've gathered there with a lot of other dignitaries, of course, military men and women and just spectators.
A lot of family and friends of -- a lot of people just there to say thank you and remember their loved ones and even strangers that they had no idea who they were, didn't know, but just know they served this country and died serving this country.
We're going to bring in now CNN's Kathleen Koch.
She's standing by at White House with a little more on what's happening on this Veterans Day -- hello again, Kathleen.
KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning.
Well, the president, yes, will be participating, as many presidents before him have, in this very solemn ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery this morning, the nation's largest national cemetery.
Interesting, I think, to point out that besides members of the armed services, also buried at Arlington National Cemetery are astronauts, explorers, other distinguished Americans, including former President John F. Kennedy.
Now, the Tomb itself holds the remains of soldiers from -- not just one soldier, but soldiers from World Wars I, II, the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War, all of them. Again, unknown, unidentified. It's guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
President Bush, in his Saturday morning radio address today, shared some of his thoughts on this very important day.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEORGE BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: This weekend, we commemorate Veterans Day, a day when America honors every man and woman who has worn the uniform of our military. In Veterans Day celebrations around our nation, we remember those who have served in previous wars, those who are serving today and those who did not live to become veterans.
Especially in a time of war, we see in our veterans an example of people who stepped forward to serve a cause larger than themselves. This weekend, I ask you to take a moment to thank our veterans for their service and express your appreciation for the sacrifices they have made to preserve our freedom and way of life.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KOCH: Now, this holiday comes at a time when the president -- President Bush's war policy in Iraq is under great examination, many believing that the results of the election on Tuesday were a referendum on the war. President Bush, obviously, this week, finally accepting the resignation of his defense secretary, embattled defense secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, someone he had stood by loyally since the start of the war the Iraq war, despite many concerns raised about Rumsfeld's decision-making, his conduct of the war.
Signs are growing now that this could signal a complete reevaluation of U.S. policy in Iraq, about a war that has claimed the lives of 2,845 U.S. service members, some 20,000 injured.
The president himself and his key policy team will be meeting Monday here at the White House with the Iraq Study Group. Now, that's a bipartisan commission that was organized to come up with a new policy on Iraq. President Bush and other members of the administration looking for some insight into their findings, although their final report is not yet ready to deliver -- back to you, T.J.
HOLMES: Well, Kathleen, if you can, stay with us here a minute, we'll let that siren get past you there, as well.
But do we have any idea -- I don't know if you actually know this -- but what can we expect to hear from the president at Arlington National Cemetery?
Of course, we heard in his radio address today where he talked a little bit about the veterans and Veterans Day. But he also hit on a little politics in a more conciliatory tone with some Democratic leaders and whatnot.
So he was kind of talking about a little bit of everything and it sounds like all smiles and handshakes these days in Washington.
But do we have any idea what we might hear from him at Arlington National Cemetery?
KOCH: Well, the White House doesn't put out an advance copy of his remarks, but I don't expect that we're going to hear much political in today's speech. I believe that this is a time when President Bush, and, indeed, when most presidents really focus on the men and women who served in the past and are currently serving in the nation's armed services.
The great commitment, their patriotism, their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their families. Again, not only the families of those who have lost loved ones, who have seen them injured, but the families of those who are serving. Right now, my own brother-in-law, Kevin Michael Glancy (ph), is serving in Falluja. He is an electronic warfare specialist.
And so I see every day how tough it is on my sister, on their three kids. And the president, I think, is going to be focusing on those people, reaching out to them and making them understand he gets it. He knows it's been a tough slog since the start of the war in 2003, that it -- that obviously it's far from over, but he understands that people are concerned, that they are not happy with how it's gone.
And I think he's going to signal to them, certainly, that he is -- he is there for them. You know, the president, who does make visits, regular visits, to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Bethesda Naval Medical Center, visiting with soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who have been wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.
And, T.J. interesting to point out, those visits are never on camera.
HOLMES: Yes.
KOCH: The president and the first lady visit privately with members of the armed services. He doesn't want to use them as political props.
When he also travels around the country and makes speeches, he is careful to visit, and makes a point of it, at virtually every stop, with members of the armed services and people whose -- who have lost loved ones in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
So the president, we're understanding now, has arrived at Arlington National Cemetery, probably will soon be coming up to present the wreath.
Back to you -- T.J.
HOLMES: Yes, we did see. We're keeping an eye on these live pictures here with the crowd gathered. And we have been seeing here and there the wreath that has been coming -- has come out. And, also, again, we know that the president has arrived. He is there waiting just to get the shot in to see the ceremony taking place.
If we can get you, Kathleen, to stay with us. We've seen something from this president, I guess, in times past, in making speeches, and we saw it again yesterday at the Marine Corps Museum dedication. And when he gets to talking about soldiers and incidents -- and he was talking about one yesterday, giving the Medal of Honor to a young man who jumped on a grenade. And the president -- and you've seen this. You've covered the president. He gets worked up and emotional, at times, and has to, oftentimes, choke back tears talking about these young men and women.
KOCH: Well, certainly so. You can disagree or agree with the president, his policies and his politics. But I don't think there are many people who would say that he is an uncaring, unfeeling human being. And he does try in his speeches, certainly on days like yesterday, at the dedication of the museum for the Marines on their anniversary, their 100-year anniversary, he does try to personalize it and help people understand that he does get it, that he feels the loss of every U.S. service member who is taken away from their family, from their nation, who makes this ultimate sacrifice.
HOLMES: All right, thank you, Kathleen.
We're actually jumping in here.
We do see the president and we're going to listen into the ceremony.
(MUSIC)
HOLMES: Again, President Bush in a solemn ceremony we've come to see every year at this time, it's Veterans Day, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns there at Arlington National Cemetery, in front of a crowd of dignitaries and military personnel and spectators, family and friends who have lost loved ones in wars.
Our Kathleen Koch has been standing by, standing by from the White House talking to us -- and, Kathleen, how have you -- have we all seen the White House, I guess, being mindful of just how important of a week this is, with so much happening, happening with the military, of course, the debate about the war, the news about Donald Rumsfeld and now the president out here fact really walking the nation and taking the nation through this solemn time, when war is in everybody's mind?
KOCH: It's been quite a difficult week, obviously, for the White House, because it is a week of such dramatic change. But you've seen the president signaling, at least with -- by accepting the resignation of his defense secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, that he understands that with the vote on Tuesday that many Americans were signaling they do want to see some dramatic change in Iraq.
So the president moving forward, nominating former CIA Director Robert Gates to fill Donald Rumsfeld's position, saying that now he and his top defense team are going to be meeting with the Iraq Study Group Monday to look at new directions in Iraq.
So the president very mindful that this is a time when the nation is really contemplating the future and looking for new direction.
HOLMES: All right, our Kathleen Koch.
And, Kathleen, the best to your family and your brother-in-law serving, as well.
KOCH: You bet.
HOLMES: But thank you so much.
SUSAN ROESGEN, CNN ANCHOR: And now you're looking live at Fort Benning, near Columbus, Georgia. This fort dates back to the World War I era and it is home to the U.S. Army Infantry School. The post's deputy commander, Colonel Michael Linnington, is the keynote speaker at the ceremony that's going to be held there today. And here now, a live look at the Veterans Day parade that hasn't yet gotten underway in New York. Mayor Michael Bloomberg will be among the participants there. This year's theme is going to be "Still Serving Proudly." New York's Veterans Day observances actually began yesterday, with the dedication of a World War II memorial at Queens College. And they had it there because about 1,000 Queens College students, 60 percent of the study body at the time, served in World War II.
HOLMES: Another live look for you here now. Live pictures of the Marine Corps Memorial outside Washington. It commemorates the World War II battle of Iwo Jima, a campaign that's getting revived attention in Clint Eastwood's new movie, "Flags of Our Fathers."
And we'll be covering Veterans Day ceremonies across the country today.
First up at noon Eastern, the Gulf Coast Veterans Day parade begins in Biloxi, Mississippi.
An hour later, the annual Vietnam Veterans Day Ceremony begins at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington.
And at 3:00 Eastern, the Navy's Blue Angels flight squadron will provide entertainment in the skies over Pensacola, Florida.
And a Veterans Day welcome as soldiers arrive home this morning from Iraq. Perfect timing. Seeing their families and loved ones for the first time in some time. So that's certainly nice to see.
And, also, we want to let you know we just saw the president lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. But we're also expecting to hear comments from the president a short time later. And when those come up, we will bring those comments to you live on this Veterans Day.
You are watching a special week long salute to troops here in the CNN NEWSROOM.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LT. COL. RICH ADAMS: Hi.
This is Lieutenant Colonel Rich Adams (ph) from the 407 Civil Engineering Squadron here at Allie Air Base (ph) in Iraq, standing at the 9/11 Memorial.
I'd like to give a shout out to all the veterans back home and all our fellow New Yorkers for all your support.
Thanks.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) HOLMES: The nation pauses to remember. Ceremonies across the country today to honor soldiers past and present. Tradition rules at Arlington National Cemetery, where the president just moments ago, you saw lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns.
Also, live pictures here from Fort Benning, Georgia, home of the U.S. Army Infantry, where Veterans Day ceremonies are also getting underway at this hour.
And the Screaming Eagles have landed. Some of the nation's newest vets from the 101st Airborne Division are returning today from Iraq to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The timing could not have been any better for the day.
Now, once again, looking at live images at Arlington National Cemetery. President Bush expected to make remarks from there from about 11:38 Eastern is what we're being told. That's about 20 minutes from now.
We're going to keep an eye on that ceremony and bring his comments to you live when they happen.
ROESGEN: And certainly the Vietnam War inspired one of the most painful and divisive chapters in American war history. Literally millions of Americans are veterans of it and more than 58,000 soldiers died fighting it.
So on this Veterans Day, CNN's Gary Nurenberg is at the striking and really poignant memorial many people just call "The Wall" -- Gary.
GARY NURENBERG, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Susan, as I was listening to your covering of Arlington, I was reminded of a funeral service I attended there Thursday for a friend, when I was really taken by the solemn honor and dignity that the military expressed during those services.
Many Vietnam veterans returned to a country that, as you say, was bitterly divided and did not have that honor and respect. Many Vietnam veterans had to wait years for it to happen, for that bitterness to end.
In large measure, this wall made that happen. And this morning, thousands of people lined up to begin paying tribute.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NURENBERG (voice-over): Shortly after 7:00 this morning, members of the Muslim American Veterans Association gathered here to remember the service of fallen colleagues.
Moments earlier, Dale Meecham visited the wall, as he does every Veterans Day, early, when it's peaceful. He wants his brother's name, David Meecham, on that wall.
(on camera): And it's clear you still miss him very much. DALE MEECHAM, VETERAN: Every day. Every day, every day of my life. I mean this was my best friend, my hero, my idol. That's why I went in the 82nd Airborne. That's why I jumped out of planes and did what I did, because of this man right here. And he lied about his age to get in the service. He went in a year before he was even allowed to go in.
I think his name should be on the wall because he gave his life. The Agent Orange killed him and he gave his life for his country.
NURENBERG: As a brother, this is important to you?
MEECHAM: Very. Very, very important.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NURENBERG: As you watch people today ticking -- taking a look, rather -- at the names etched on that wall, etched in history, you can understand why Dale wants his brother David's name there. David died 10 years ago of cancer and Dale is convinced it is as a result of his exposure to Agent Orange.
If you look at the faces of the people reaching out and touching those names, you can understand why it means so much to Dale. You can understand, Susan, why he vows to continue his fight until David's name is there.
ROESGEN: Gary, do people still leave things there along the wall? Are they still allowed to leave combat boots and dog tags and things like that?
NURENBERG: Combat boots, dog tags, the battalion insignia of the places where these people served -- flowers, letters, pictures, pictures of sons and daughters who are growing up without their dad.
It's an interesting place. As you know, the Park Service collects all of the material that's left here and occasionally puts it on exhibit -- one of the most touching things you can see on a visit to Washington.
ROESGEN: I'm sure it is.
Thank you, Gary, reporting there live from the wall, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Thanks, Gary.
And we want to let you know that CNN's Lou Dobbs will salute the men and women in uniform protecting Americans at home and abroad right now.
Join Lou Sunday night, tomorrow night, at 7:00 Eastern, as CNN celebrates America's heroes.
HOLMES: And ahead, the frantic fight to save the lives of wounded troops. Inside a combat hospital in Iraq -- a view seldom seen.
You're watching a special edition of the NEWSROOM honoring veterans and troops.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is senior Airman Ashley Swadley (ph).
SR. AIRMAN CHRISTA DEMONTAY, U.S. AIR FORCE: And Senior Airman Christa Demontay.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: From the 407th Expeditionary Communications Squadron here at Ali Air Base. We're from Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, and we'd like to give a shoutout to all the veterans and members of the VFW today and we also give a shoutout to all of our friends and family back home.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ROESGEN: And now a special Veterans Day edition of Across America.
A hero's welcome in Clintonville, Wisconsin for members of the 120th National Guard unit. The unit is demobilizing after a tour of duty in Iraq. So glad to be back home after nearly 15 months overseas.
A similar scene in Gallup, New Mexico, as Guardsmen there arrived home from the war. The 1,116th Transportation Company, known as the Wolfpack Warriors, spent a year in Iraq. Family, friends, community leaders, all there to greet them with a ceremony in the courthouse square.
HOLMES: And a dress store in Wexford, Pennsylvania found a special way to honor the troops. It donated 100 wedding gowns to 100 engaged military couples. It was a first come, first served basis. One bride-to-be, she got there at 5:00 a.m. to make sure she had her dress.
And, also, a special gift for residents of a veterans home in Maine. This is Galen Cole has been giving walking sticks to Maine veterans for 10 years. He says that's his way of thanking them for putting their lives on the line.
Also back from the war, CNN's Warrior One. This specially equipped Hummer was used by CNN reporters in Iraq. Now it's touring military bases across the United States and it's part of today's Veterans Day parade in Biloxi, Mississippi.
After its tour, the recently refurbished Hummer will be sold at auction. Proceeds will got to the Fisher House Foundation, which builds comfort homes for families of hospitalized military personnel.
ROESGEN: In Iraq, every second counts, as the medical teams try to save the lives of wounded troops. You'll see the life and death struggles tonight at 8:00 Eastern on "CNN PRESENTS: COMBAT HOSPITAL."
Here's a preview.
And we do have to warn you that some of the scenes are graphic.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
LT. COL. ROBERT MAZUR, M.D. BROOKLYN, NEW YORK: I don't give a shit.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: They brought everything up?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are we...
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are they coming out, sir?
MAZUR: Who do you want? You want him, Marty?
I would say for everybody, as much as we hate to admit it, if it's an American soldier in there, as opposed to anybody else, our stress level goes up.
What's your first name?
JUSTIN THOMAS WATSON: Justin.
MAZUR: Justin?
WATSON: Thomas.
MAZUR: Thomas?
WATSON: Watson.
MAZUR: Watson. W-A-T-S-O-N.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I know. I know. We just got some oxygen on you, OK?
(CROSSTALK)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What happened?
(CROSSTALK)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What happened to you, man?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: IED.
MAZUR: OK. OK.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Put your leg back. You're doing all right, OK?
MAZUR: All right? Go ahead and give him...
(CROSSTALK)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Right arm, left arm, what are you poking at?
(CROSSTALK)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You're going to go to sleep, OK?
Try and relax.
MAZUR: Stress is a good thing. A lot of pro athletes say they want to feel that stress. Your adrenaline goes better, you oxygenate better and you perform better.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You got this?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'll take his neck. Yes, sure.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: OK.
MAZUR: OK, everybody ready? Are you with us?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Which way are we rolling?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Kick it back.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Towards me?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We're rolling this way.
MAZUR: One, two, three, roll.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ready, one, two, three, roll.
MAZUR: He had a subdural hematoma, which means he's got some bleeding around the brain. It was on the right side. And what that does is that squishes the brain. In severe cases, it's going to push your brain right down into your brainstem, kind of down into your spinal cord. That will kill you.
So what we did was give him stuff to minimize the bleeding and then keep the pressure down. And in the interim, he basically gets helicoptered to Balad, where they have a neurosurgeon. So the neurosurgeon will take him emergently to the O.R. and drill a hole right in his skull and let that hematoma out.
A tough kid. A very good kid to take care of. It gives me goose bumps when I see how strong those guys are.
WATSON: Rachelle (ph)? Bed?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK. I'm going to ask you a question.
WATSON: Yes. I'm here. I'm OK. I'm fine. We got hit. I'm a little dinged up, but I'm OK, and I'm in the hospital. I'll try to call again as soon as I'm a little less drugged up. But I'm fine, babe. I'm fine.
Honey? Honey, can you hear me? Honey?
God damn it.
Honey, you hear me?
I can barely hear you. That might be because I had a loud explosion in my ear.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ROESGEN: It is an incredible story. You'll see more of the frantic fight, saving lives of wounded troops, in a "CNN PRESENTS: COMBAT HOSPITAL," tonight at 8:00 Eastern only on CNN.
HOLMES: And a reminder of the dangerous work that a lot of these soldiers are doing on this Veterans Day. Two bombs exploded in central Baghdad today at a market killing at least six people, wounding nearly three dozen others. Meanwhile in separate incidents, two U.S. Convoys came under attack. Military officials have not reported any casualties.
He's been missing for nearly three weeks. Today the U.S. military is offering a $50,000 reward to anyone who helps find and recover a kidnapped American soldier. This army reserve specialist who was snatched while visiting his Iraqi wife outside of the green zone.
ROESGEN: And it could be double duty for the National Guard. The "Associated Press" is reporting that combat brigades that have already done one tour may be called back for a second in Iraq. The plan would scratch the earlier Pentagon policy that limits guard troops to just 24 months of service. Brigades from Arkansas, Florida, Indiana and North Carolina could be affected.
Well, he's smiling here. But he was gruff and grizzled and scared the h-e double toothpicks out of Billy Crystal in "City Slickers." Jack Palance died of natural causes at is California home on Friday. He was 87. This veteran actor was also a veteran of World War II where he earned in his service a purple heart.
Not much green in Green Bay today. A snowstorm has socked Wisconsin on and parts of Iowa and Minnesota. In the Northwest, the Cascade Mountains are under a heavy snow warning where up to two feet of snow has already fallen.
HOLMES: And another reminder, a live picture here looking at the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. We just saw the president a short time ago put a wreath on the tomb of the unknowns. President up on stage with other dignitaries there going through a ceremony here now.
We're awaiting remarks by President Bush. We're expecting at any time actually within the next five, six minutes or so when he's going to talk and when he does step up to the podium and begin to make his remarks on this Veteran's Day we will bring those remarks to you live.
Meanwhile new control of congress, new defense secretary, will that change the U.S. strategy in Iraq? We're honoring troops this Veterans Day here in the NEWSROOM.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hello, I am Specialist Salzman (ph) from Bravo Company 20135 Infantry out of Rochester, Minnesota. I would like to take this opportunity to say hello to all my family and friends back home. We're doing fine over here in Camp Atar (ph) Iraq.
This Veterans Day we ask that you not only thank those of us who are currently deployed overseas and those of us who have deployed in the past. There are a lot of veterans in the community who have given a lot of time and a lot of efforts so that we may live in the wonderful country we live in today. Please remember them this Veterans Day, thank you all and God bless.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEING VIDEOTAPE)
GERRI WILLIS, CNN ANCHOR (voice-over): With cooler temperatures around the corner, people in the Northern hemisphere are starting to thing about staying warm this winter. Heated floors are a great option for a new home or a nice addition to an old one.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think that we were a little slow to catch onto it because the cost for electricity in the U.S. have been pretty high. Now that the other utilities are starting to increase, the gas and the oil, there's a very fair playing field.
In the last couple of years, we have seen a tremendous increase in the interest in electric [inaudible] heat. Not just for remodeling but on new construction as well.
WILLIS: While the system can't be installed under wood flooring, tile or laminate floors in the kitchen, basement or even the shower are ready to feel the heat. I'm Gerri Willis and that's this weeks "Trend Spotting".
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ROESGEN: And, this is a live look at Arlington National Cemetery where just minutes ago, President Bush placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Right now, we're getting the welcoming remarks by Tom Poulter he's just spoken, the National Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Hearts.
And then President Bush will be introduced shortly by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, James Nicholson. Then the president will speak and we will bring you his remarks to you live when it happens in just a few moments. Gary Sinise there, the actor, who starred in "Forrest Gump" remember, as an army veteran is the host of today's dedication ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery.
This now is Fort Benning, Georgia; this hosts the U.S. Army infantry training school and is the home base of many troops serving in Iraq. Today's keynote address there was delivered by the base's Deputy Commander, Colonel Michael S. Linnington.
And now, once again we have the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, James Nicholson. He is making his remarks to introduce the President of the United States. We'll listen in briefly.
JAMES NICHOLSON, SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS: Today we will celebrate the blessing of liberty secured by more than 48 million of our countrymen who have worn our uniform.
Who for 230 years and more than a dozen wars and conflicts have stood tall and bravely in the defense of our freedom. Today, we also recognize the nearly 25 million living veterans who represent nearly a century of selfless sacrifices in assuring our American way of life.
We also dedicate ourselves here today to supporting the men and women of our armed forces as they engage in unconventional enemy who openly vows repeatedly to take us down, to destroy our way of life.
Thank God, we have a leader whose moral compass and strength of character sustain in his unyielding commitment to defeat this enemy and to support our veterans, our troops and our freedom.
It is my honor to introduce a patriot whose unbending leadership, love of country and respect for liberty will see our nation through to victory. Ladies and gentlemen, The President of the United States, George W. Bush.
(APPLAUSE)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Thank you. Thank you all. Thank you.
Thanks for coming. Secretary Nicholson, thank you for your kind words and for your leadership. Members of the Cabinet, members of Congress, members of the United States Military. All veterans, all volunteers, who have sworn to uphold the security of the United States. I thank your families for being here. And I thank our veterans. I am proud to join you on this day of honor.
On this day and this month at this hour, our nation remembers the moment when the guns of World War I went silent and w recognize the service and the sacrifice of our nation's veterans. From Valley Forge to Vietnam, from Kuwait to Kandahar, from Berlin to Baghdad. Our veterans have borne the costs of America's wars and they have stood watch over America's peace.
The American people are grateful to the veterans and all who have fought for our freedom. Since the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, the national cemetery has reminded our citizens of the cost of liberty. The simple white markers testify to honor fulfilled and duty served. Most of these markers stand over graves of Americans who came home to enjoy the peace they earned. Too many stand over the graves of those who gave their lives to protect that peace.
This day is dedicated to all who answered the call to service. Whether they live in honor among us or sleep in valor beneath this sacred ground.
On this Veterans Day, we give thanks to the 24 million Americans who strengthen our nation with their example of service and sacrifice. Our veterans are drawn from many generations and from many backgrounds. Some charged across great battlefields, some fought on the high seas, some patrol the open skies. And all contributed to the character and to the greatness of America.
On this Veteran's Day, we honor a new generation of men and women who are defending our freedom. Since September 11th, 2001, our armed forces have engaged the enemy, the terrorists on many fronts. At this moment, more than 1.4 million Americans are on active duty, serving in the cause of freedom and peace around the world. They are our nation's finest citizens
(APPLAUSE)
BUSH: They confront grave danger to defend the safety of the American people. They brought down tyrants, they've liberated two nations, they have helped bring freedom to more than 50 million people. Through their sacrifice they are making this nation safer and more secure and they are earning the proud title of veteran.
(APPLAUSE)
BUSH: On this Veteran's Day, we're humbled by the strong hearts of those who have served. Last week, Secretary Nicholson told me about a visit he made to New York City, where he met a group of veterans who lost limbs in this war.
Secretary Nicholson asked them how they could keep their spirits up. One man answered, sir, it is because we feel the American people are so appreciative of our service. Many of our veterans bear the scars of their service to our country and we are a nation that will keep its commitments to those who have risked their lives for freedom. That young man was right; we do appreciate the service of those who wear our uniforms.
(APPLAUSE)
BUSH: To help our Americans show our appreciation to those who have served Secretary Nicholson has asked all our nations veterans to wear their medals today. I urge our citizens to go up to those men and women and shake a hand a give a hug and give a word of thanks.
I ask you to consider volunteering at a veteran's hospital or a nursing home. I encourage you to work with your local veterans group to help support our troops in the field and their families here at home.
As we raise our flag and as the bugle sounds "Taps," we remember that the men and women of America's armed forces serve a great cause. They follow in a great tradition, handed down to them by America's veterans. And in public ceremonies and in private prayer, we give thanks for the freedom we enjoy because of their willingness to serve.
(APPLAUSE)
BUSH: I thank you for honoring those who serve today and for honoring those who have set such a sterling example, our nation's veterans. May God bless our veterans. May God bless all who wear the uniform and may God continue to bless the United States of America.
(APPLAUSE)
ROESGEN: And there you have the President of the United States giving his remarks after earlier laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown at Arlington National Cemetery.
HOLMES: And again, he's a reminder there to honor, I guess, a new generation as you said. We have a whole new generation of veterans coming back daily almost. We saw some of those homecomings today from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. A new generation. So just keeping an eye on all the ceremonies happening today live. And again, hearing the remarks from President Bush today.
Of course, a lot happening with the military right now. Of course, Donald Rumsfeld announced he will resign. Going to be replaced by Bob Gates if he can get confirmation. We're going to talk about that on the other side of this break with CNN Military Analyst Don Shepperd, General Don Shepperd. Stay here.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: And there again, another live look at some of the ceremonies happening around the country. Arlington National Cemetery just saw the president make comments on this Veteran's Day and on this holiday weekend, we are honoring the men and women serving in Iraq and the wars before this one.
CNN Military Analyst Don Shepperd joins us now to talk a bit about this Veteran's Day and I guess a lot happening with the military these days, on a lot of people's minds is Donald Rumsfeld this week, stepping down. New guy coming in. Is this a time for renewed optimism for a lot of people about what's going to happen with Iraq and just how valuable can it be to have a new set of eyes on this whole situation, sir?
GENERAL DON SHEPPERD, CNN MILITARY ANALYST: Well, T.J. the departure of Donald Rumsfeld was clearly ordained. I thought that if the Republicans won the election that it would be some time before he left, but if they lost it would be very quick.
Of course, as we've seen, it's very quick. A new set of eyes, Dr. Gates being nominated to replace Donald Rumsfeld will give us an opportunity to do something different but there's no magic in Iraq. We are engaged against a very difficult and very tough enemy.
The Iraqi studies group coming up will give some options the president and the new secretary can also implement, but it is going to be a very, very tough war. There's no magic pill, the proof is in the pudding, the results at the end.
HOLMES: What would you tell Bob Gates to avoid, I guess, that maybe you think Donald Rumsfeld did wrong? What would you say? Whatever you do, Mr. Gates, do not do this?
SHEPPERD: A couple, three things, T.J., that's a superb question. Number one, I would say, watch your rhetoric. Do not say "staying the course, we're going to stay the course no matter what". Do not say "we're going to win" because winning is very, very difficult to define.
Be very, very careful about your rhetoric. And above all do not set a timetable for getting out. That can only help the enemy. I think dr. Gates has been well engaged for a length time in national security. I think he'll be very careful and very thoughtful on whatever he does.
HOLMES: Alright and we were hoping to have more time to talk to you here, but before we do let you go. Of course, today is Veteran's Day, I'll let you wrap up here with us by just giving us your thoughts on Veteran's Day and how these do feel different when you have a Veteran's Day at wartime.
SHEPPERD: Well, it's memory time. It brings up personal memories for me. A the lot of family, a lot of friends, a lot of classmates, wingmen, squadron leaders, people that I served with in combat, but it brings up more than anything else, thoughts of today's kids over there. They're so much better, so much smarter, so much better trained, better led, better equipped than we were. So it's a time for reflection and thanks to them and of course thanks to their families who are supremely affected by what we're doing, T.J.
HOLMES: Thank you as well, sir for your service. Happy Veterans Day to you. We appreciate you sticking around and spending some time with us on this Veterans Day, sir, you take care.
SHEPPERD: Thank you.
ROESGEN: And we have much more ahead today. We've got Fredricka Whitfield is going to show us what's coming up in your show.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Much more of the NEWSROOM, starting at noontime eastern. Good to see you, guys.
Well, who would have thought going to Iraq would have made a rapper out of a soldier?
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: [sings} the sun and the heat. Crazy Ramadi, bombs under the street, I hate Ramadi. WHITFIELD: I know it seems humorous but being deployed to one of the most dangerous places, clearly very frightening, but these soldiers decided to cope by finding and poking some humor out of being there. They're called it "Lazy Ramadi." That video is getting a lot of air time and raising a lot of interest as well.
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All that straight ahead at noon in the NEWSROOM. Join us for that.
ROESGEN: Thanks, Fredricka.
HOLMES: Thank you so much.
ROESGEN: Well on this Veterans Day, many people have been sharing photos and memories of their family and friends who served this country in the military. If you have stories or pictures, send them to us. Send them to CNN's "I-Report." You as the viewer are our eyes and ears. If you get a great picture on your video or camera, or even on your cell phone, send it to you us. Just log onto CNN.com or punch I-Report@CNN.com on your cell phone. It's your chance to share what you've seen.
Here's one we've had. John Walinsky (ph) served in Korea from 1951 to 1953 and his daughter told us about a picture he took. This is a rare care-free moment between skirmishes, at one point, he was trapped in a fox hole for more than a month. Only beans to east no hot water, no communication with the outside world. He was covered in lice. But you know, those guys were tough. When the relief finally got to him, he got a hot shower and he says that hot shower made it the best day of his life.
John's daughter says he's now 76 years old and can still fit into his army jacket. Today's Veteran's Day edition of NEWSROOM, is part of our special weekend long coverage honoring all the men and women who have served us in the U.S. Military in the past and right now.
HOLMES: And sure a lot of other stories like that. Glad we could end on that note but Susan and I here in the NEWSROOM. Of course, NEWSROOM continues with Fredricka Whitfield.
Thank you for being here with us and happy Veterans Day to you all.
ROESGEN: We'll be right back.
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