Article snippet: “This day reminds all Americans that they sleep soundly at night because of the sacrifices of millions of ordinary men and women,” Wilkie said. “It is for all who have served at all the lonely outposts, and the military at home and in distant lands, who left families and loved ones and who overcame challenges that many of us would find unimaginable,” he said. He noted the 100th anniversary of World War I, which was once believed to be the “war to end all wars.” “On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, men who have lived and fought in trenches that scarred the face of Europe emerged after four years of fighting and for the first time, smelled the warm air of peace,” he said. “All told, more than 41 million American men and women have served in times of war at almost 700,000 have given the last full measure. And if you ask any of them why they did it, they would tell you, it was the right thing to do. “This day is for them,” he said. In attendance at the ceremony was Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta, Department of Homeland Secretary Kirstjen Neilsen, acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). Wilkie said, “as the son of a gravely wounded combat soldier,” an officer, and a leader in the Pentagon, he has spent a lifetime watching those who have “borne the battle.” “And I have seen it through the eyes of my elementary school classmates at Fort Sill and Fort Bragg, whose fathers did... Link to the full article to read more