Since 1954, this day has been a day of gratitude to those who chose to serve freedom and took on the responsibility of defending the right of people to live without dictatorship and fear.

It is a day of deep respect for those who have endured battles and losses, while acknowledging that freedom is never guaranteed — it must be fought for again and again.

It is a day of honor for everyone who fought when the fate of the world was decided.

Today, many American veterans serve in the ranks of the DIU special forces.

Those who have already gone through fire and loss have once again chosen to do what is right and are fighting against the russian aggressor, together with Ukrainian soldiers, defending the freedom of our nation, the European continent, and the entire democratic world.

Their actions demonstrate that American veterans are people who, even after completing their service in the Armed Forces, continue to uphold and defend American values: freedom, democracy, and human dignity.

We thank every veteran of the United States of America who supports Ukraine — with weapons, experience, volunteer work, diplomatic efforts, or a voice of truth in their society.

Your support and solidarity with Ukraine is a significant contribution to the common cause of protecting the free world from the darkness of totalitarianism and oppression, and to humanity's ability to resist terror, violence, and imperial revanchism.

Your support and solidarity with Ukraine is a significant contribution to the common cause of protecting the free world from the darkness of totalitarianism and oppression, and to humanity's ability to resist terror, violence, and imperial revanchism.

Freedom needs those who are ready to stand up for it to the end. And we are glad that American veterans are standing with our country today.