deserts, and stormy waters. you have left your families, charged into danger, faced down your en moes and bore the scars and wounds of war. each of you took an oath to support and defend the constitution. with that oath you pledged your honor and your very lives for our great nation. every veteran here today is part of a long unbroken chain of american heroes. we salute your service, the american legion not only remembers history, you help keep history alive. [ applause ] president: you teach young americans to have pride in our history so they will have confidence in our future.