"For 242 years the men and women of our great nation have stepped forward to serve in the Armed Forces and defend our freedoms. They risked their lives for our land, our people, and the ideals that we all cherish. Our battles, our victories-- indeed our way of life-- are owed not to great moments or dates.. they are owed to the actions and sacrifices of individual men and women willing to step in the breach, to stand in the gap for their county and their freedom," he said.