The Editor, Sir:

This Veterans' Day, we give thanks to those who have served freedom's cause; we salute the members of our Armed Forces who are confronting our adversaries abroad; and we honour the men and women who left America's shores but did not live to be thanked as veterans. They will always be remembered by our country." (From the 2006 Veterans' Day Proclamation of President George W. Bush).

Whether it is called Armistice Day, Veterans' Day or Remembrance Day, on this day all of us living in free nations must give thanks to those who have defended us from those who would enslave us. Our fortunes and our freedoms have been purchased by those who realised the terrible danger our societies have faced and who endured the hardship of service, sometimes paying the ultimate price, to overcome them.

Bravery of the Jamaicans

As I write this in the city of Kingston, I cannot help but also think of the bravery of the Jamaicans who have fought for freedom, from before the 'Great War' where Armistice Day was born, to the current global struggle against terrorism and extremism. The dedication and courage of the Jamaican soldier has always been respected and deserves to be honoured in a public and forthright manner. The Gleaner's 'Pieces from the Past: Jamaica and the Great War' tells us that "In 1917, following glowing commendations on the services of Jamaican units of the British West Indies Regiment's eleven battalions, a conscription law was eventually passed in the House. It was never put to use. Every man who went to the front from Jamaica was a volunteer."

Fortunate

The spirit of the Jamaica of 1917 lives on. Jamaican men and women continue to put themselves in harm's way to protect those they love and the ideals they hold dear. The United States counts itself fortunate to have stood beside these patriots on battlefields across the world. These sons and daughters deserve to be remembered by their fellow Jamaicans - now and in the future.

In respect to those who have served to protect the freedoms of both our countries, I conclude with the words of President Eisenhower: "On this day, let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain."

I am, etc.,

BRENDA LaGRANGE

JOHNSON

U.S. Ambasssador