Welcome to our collection of Veterans Quotes, a tribute to the brave men and women who have served their countries with honor and sacrifice. Throughout history, veterans have played a pivotal role in defending freedoms, protecting nations, and upholding the values we hold dear. Their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment serve as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
In this compilation, we gather poignant words from veterans themselves, as well as from leaders, historians, and thinkers, encapsulating the essence of service, sacrifice, and patriotism. These quotes offer profound insights into the experiences of those who have served in the armed forces, reflecting on the challenges they’ve faced, the bonds they’ve forged, and the profound impact of their contributions to society. Whether in times of conflict or peace, veterans have left an indelible mark on history, and their voices resonate with wisdom, humility, and gratitude.
Below, you’ll find a curated selection of quotes that honor the bravery and dedication of veterans from around the world. Feel free to use these quotes to pay homage, reflect, or commemorate the sacrifices made by those who have served. Let their words serve as a reminder of the debt of gratitude we owe to our veterans, both past and present.
My father earned his citizenship by serving in the Army during World War II. He devoted his life to caring for our nations veterans at a VA hospital in Buffalo, New York. That desire to serve fellow Americans propelled my four siblings into medical careers, too. Tom Perez
You’d have to go a long way to find someone who was more proud and grateful for what our veterans have done for all of us. Jim Davis
Some of the money going to the rookies can now be spent on people who have proved their worth. After all, the average playing life of a pro football player is about eight years and it is only fitting that the veterans get something for their efforts. Bob Lilly
When I was building the Vietnam Memorial, I never once asked the veterans what it was like in the war, because from my point of view, you don’t pry into other people’s business. Maya Lin
While many employers do the right thing and provide flexible schedules for disabled veterans, I felt that it was important to provide all disabled veterans with a solution that would help them have access to medical leave. Here’s how our bill works: we accelerate the eligibility process for disabled veterans. John Delaney
As Assistant Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, a constant concern for me is having our veterans dragged into partisan politics. Tammy Duckworth
I deliberately did not read anything about the Vietnam War because I felt the politics of the war eclipsed what happened to the veterans. The politics were irrelevant to what this memorial was. Maya Lin
The popular songs that were written in the 1920s and ’30s, ’40s and early ’50s were written by veterans – mostly men who’d had experience in life. How can you write a lyric if you haven’t really lived life? Rudy Vallee
As efforts to fix this failure at the Veterans Administration continue, I also intend to persist in demanding answers and action on the establishment of a new clinic to serve the veterans in North Central Washington. Doc Hastings
Too many veterans are poor or near poor and homeless because of it. Chris Gardner
All of my high school male teachers were WWII and/or Korean War veterans. They taught my brothers and me the value of service to our country and reinforced what our dad had shown us about the meaning of service. Oliver North
Veterans report that service dogs help break their isolation. People will often avert their eyes when they see a wounded veteran. But when the veteran has a dog, the same people will come up and say, ‘Hi’ to pet the dog and then strike up a conversation. Al Franken
We need to look at how we can better fortify our force protection at military installations. But also, how can we deal with these mental health issues with our returning veterans? And our suicide rate in the military is twice as high as the average population. Michael McCaul
I remain committed to improving the government services to which Hudson Valley veterans are entitled. Sue Kelly
While we can’t begin to repay the debt we owe our veterans for their brave service, we can certainly take steps to ease the physical, psychological and financial hardships they may be experiencing. Kirsten Gillibrand
We all want to do everything we can to help our veterans; it is a part of our American values and sense of patriotism. Tommy Tuberville
The need for this clinic is clear to me, to the veterans who are currently forced to travel hours to receive care, and even to the Veterans Administration that itself identified creation of a clinic in this part of our state as a priority to be completed by 2006. Doc Hastings
The VA should use every tool at their disposal to support and treat our veterans, including the specialized care offered by service dogs. Ron DeSantis
Our veterans who fall on hard times and find themselves without a home deserve more than just handwringing or kind words. They deserve real help that gets them back on their feet. Michelle Obama
Others will have opinions on how I do and that’s just fine… I’ve been elected four times, delivered results for my constituents and delivered legislative policy changes that have helped veterans, for example. So, I’m going to keep doing the hard work that I’ve done that has worked so far for my community and for our team. Pierre Poilievre
The impact of battle stays with our veterans long after their time in uniform ends. Tommy Tuberville
Although AmeriCorps is making a difference among its participants and the people they serve, we must address homelessness and the need for job training among our veterans. Cliff Stearns
Jamie Moyer was in his third year as a major league pitcher and was, by his own admission, still wide-eyed, watching everything going on around him and soaking it in. He paid particular attention to older teammates on his Chicago Cubs squad, hoping to emulate habits that had allowed those veterans to extend their careers. Don Yaeger
Americans worry that Afghanistan has become a petri dish in which the germs of Islamic fanaticism are replicating – soon Afghans will be hijacking American planes and bombing embassies everywhere. And their fears are not necessarily unfounded. The Taliban are unemployed war veterans, ready and even eager to return to the battlefield. William T. Vollmann
As the days went on, I didn’t mind the games. In fact, I looked forward to them. That was the easiest part of all. I couldn’t wait to get to the ballpark I’d be the first one there and I was willing to do anything. I think that’s why the veterans liked me. Al Kaline
It is unacceptable that disabled veterans in Illinois rank at the bottom of the list when it comes to disability pay. We owe our disabled veterans more than speeches, parades and monuments. Dick Durbin
One of the good things about the way the Gulf War ended in 1991 is, you’d see the Vietnam veterans marching with the Gulf War veterans. George H. W. Bush
I come from a district where the veterans are not the richest in the country. Corrine Brown
We watch our sons go to war, disagree with the rationale for sending them, loathe the men who ordered them to battle, and then, when the veterans come home, beg and plead with the local V.A. to ensure they have access to proper care. J. D. Vance
It’s horrible to think that a small cadre of people would manipulate that information. I mean, for God’s sake, we’ve admitted that we were experimenting on our veterans with mustard gas. So there is no security question. It can’t possibly be the reason. Dwight Schultz
Veterans Day is an acknowledgment that those willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country – and their families – deserve our admiration and respect today and every day. Elizabeth Esty
The most basic obligation we have to our veterans is that we keep the promises that were made to them. That is what makes the recent failures of the Veterans Administration so shameful. Doc Hastings
The veterans of our military services have put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. They have dedicated their lives to their country and deserve to be recognized for their commitment. Judd Gregg
In Congress, while the House’s proposed defense budget calls for significant increases, it also cuts 11 billion dollars from veterans spending – including healthcare and disability pay. Be clear: we can’t equate spending on veterans with spending on defense. Jennifer Granholm
Veterans often need medical and psychological assistance, and often, for them, it is hard to ask for help, but we want them to know they are not alone. Bill Foster
It was a requirement by the veterans to list the 57,000 names. We’re reaching a time that we’ll acknowledge the individual in a war on a national level. Maya Lin
I took every chance I could to meet with U.S. soldiers. I talked with them and read the books they gave me about the war. I decided I needed to return to my country and join with them – active duty soldiers and Vietnam Veterans in particular – to try and end the war. Jane Fonda
The object of my relationship with Vietnam has been to heal the wounds that exist, particularly among our veterans, and to move forward with a positive relationship,… Apparently some in the Vietnamese government don’t want to do that and that’s their decision. Ho Chi Minh
As a judge, when I saw veterans in legal trouble, I created the state’s first veterans court to help them get treatment and get back on their feet. Ann Callis
Veterans are a symbol of what makes our nation great, and we must never forget all they have done to ensure our freedom. Rodney Frelinghuysen
We are telling veterans they must sacrifice to pay for the pet projects and contracts to campaign donors of powerful members of Congress. Nick Lampson
I played Miley Cyrus’ grandma on ‘Hannah Montana,’ and the first time I was on, they said, ‘We love having veterans like you on because she’s like a little sponge, and she’s really appreciative of all the veterans that are coming on the show, and we just love that you’re teaching her.’ Vicki Lawrence
Oklahomans value our children and our seniors. Oklahomans value traditions of faith. Oklahomans value our heroes, our veterans. Oklahomans value innovation and the creative arts. Brad Henry
My parents are both war veterans; they met in Vietnam. They were involved in a war that they absolutely disagreed with. Matt Skiba
Logan was talking about the Civil War, which claimed the lives of more than 500,000 Americans. He wanted to provide Civil War veterans with a day to pay respects to their fellow soldiers who did not live to see the end of the war, without losing a day’s pay. Doc Hastings
Now Congress learns that the Veterans Administration failed to provide complete, accurate information on the money it needs for both this year and next year. Doc Hastings
Honoring the sacrifices many have made for our country in the name of freedom and democracy is the very foundation of Veterans Day. Charles B. Rangel
We hire military veterans because they make great employees. They bring proven technical and leadership skills. They understand teamwork, and they’re adaptable. Bottom line, hiring veterans is good for business. Randall L. Stephenson
No matter how bad any situation, cynicism has no positive impact. Watching the news, you might notice that cynicism and victimhood often seem to go hand-in-hand, but not for veterans. Jim Mattis
When the peace treaty is signed, the war isn’t over for the veterans, or the family. It’s just starting. Karl Marlantes
To those seniors, and especially elderly veterans like myself, I want to tell you this: You are not alone, and you having nothing to be ashamed of. If elder abuse happened to me, it can happen to anyone. I want you to know that you deserve better. Mickey Rooney
We can’t equate spending on veterans with spending on defense. Our strength is not just in the size of our defense budget, but in the size of our hearts, in the size of our gratitude for their sacrifice. And that’s not just measured in words or gestures. Jennifer Granholm
There’s been nobody who stays in more communication and listens to veterans more than I do. Rodney Frelinghuysen
We do a very good job at fixing broken bodies but not such a great job at healing broken minds with our returning veterans. Michael McCaul
I had met many wounded veterans at Walter Reed Army Medical Center when I was researching my 2009 novel ‘The Turnaround,’ and I continue to be very interested in how returning servicemen and women deal with their new lives back home and how they’re treated by America. George Pelecanos
Our love, our gratitude, our admiration for our men and women in uniform, our veterans and their families – all of that is bigger than any one party or any one election. Michelle Obama
But despite their heroic acts, the Vietnam Veterans of America continued to struggle to establish a combat badge in honor of these brave pilots and medics. Tim Holden
America’s veterans and troops serving abroad today fought hard to preserve our red, white and blue, from the Revolutionary War to today’s Global War Against Terrorism, and Congress’ action today is appropriate for one of our most sacred symbols. Bill Shuster
I am proud our government has passed a law that ensures priority hiring of Veterans, as I advocated for this, and spoke about it in the House of Commons. Erin O’Toole
The simple truth is that every veteran has his or her own unique story, and there’s no single narrative about the issue of veterans finding civilian employment. And no single solution. Cathy Engelbert
The FREED Vets Act will make student debt forgiveness for eligible disabled veterans automatic, both now and in the future. Conor Lamb
Many of the issues I encountered as acting secretary were not with the quality of medical care but with getting our veterans through the door to reach that care. Robert Wilkie
Legislation on Lyme disease, weather patterns, helping farmers, helping veterans – these are not partisan issues. Chris Gibson
As a former Airman First Class in the United States Air Force, like many veterans in America, my military experience played an important part in instilling in me a sense of character and discipline that has served me throughout my life. Chuck Norris
Well, look at what people are doing for returned veterans now. The wounded warriors. They’re working hard to make the wounded veterans feel that they are loved and welcomed home, unlike Vietnam. It was not a very kind, gentle world then. I think we are kinder and gentler. Barbara Bush
There is no room for military people, including our veterans, to see themselves as victims, even if so many of our countrymen are prone to relish that role. Jim Mattis
What do we have for veterans? Government-run health care. I understand that. Congressmen and senators… they get five choices of government-run health care. Why should a congressman and senator get anything more than a regular citizen does? Why are they privileged and the rest of us aren’t? Jesse Ventura
While we have made great progress in increasing funding for veterans’ benefits, we still have a long way to go in fully meeting the promise to our veterans. Sue Kelly
On Veterans Day, I can’t help think of my uncles who volunteered for the service after fleeing a brutal regime in the Dominican Republic. They hadn’t been in America long, but they were already so grateful for its opportunities that they were eager to serve. Tom Perez
From the world wars of Europe to the jungles of the Far East, from the deserts of the Middle East to the African continent, and even here in our own hemisphere, our veterans have made the world a better place and America the great country we are today. John Hoeven
Everybody respects the Vietnam Veterans of America. R. Lee Ermey
America’s Veterans have served their country with the belief that democracy and freedom are ideals to be upheld around the world. John Doolittle
I also believe our country made a promise to veterans and their families. Veterans have kept their end of the bargain, and now, the VA is looking to pull out the rug. Ellen Tauscher
America’s veterans deserve the very best health care because they’ve earned it. Jim Ramstad
America’s trying to do the best for its veterans. R. Lee Ermey
Moral Injury is differentiated from PTSD in that it directly relates to guilt and shame veterans experience as a result of committing actions that go against their moral codes. Therapists who study and treat moral injury have found that no amount of medication can relieve the pain of trying to live with these moral burdens. Chuck Norris
On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free. Dan Lipinski
Military service members and veterans, like my uncle, enable me to live my life with freedom and liberty. George Kittle
Our veterans accepted the responsibility to defend America and uphold our values when duty called. Bill Shuster
I don’t believe there’s a red state in America where people believe you should cut Medicare, Social Security and veterans’ benefits rather than doing away with corporate tax loopholes. Bernie Sanders
It is a challenge to all of us, and it’s a challenge we need to meet, to make sure the Quincy Veterans’ Home is, in fact, giving the best care and the safest care in the state. Dick Durbin
Because all of us believe and understand in the fabric of the common bond of why we call ourselves American is to care for the men and women who wear the uniform; and when they take off the uniform, we care for them when they are veterans. Steve Buyer
The Caucus I joined in 1953 had as many Boer War veterans as men who had seen active service in World War II, three from each. The Ministry appointed on 5 December 1972 was composed entirely of ex-servicemen: Lance Barnard and me. Gough Whitlam
There was a huge, tremendous amount of disabled veterans and the Veteran’s Administration just wasn’t geared up for it. I know for a fact that it’s getting better and better. R. Lee Ermey
I started a theater called Steppenwolf. We’ve been very supportive of the veterans there. Gary Sinise
I wish every American had an opportunity to sit down, to go to a base, to meet with families, to meet with service members, to sit down with our veterans – because we would think differently about our challenges as individuals. Michelle Obama
Thank you for the sacrifices you and your families are making. Our Vietnam Veterans have taught us that no matter what are positions may be on policy, as Americans and patriots, we must support all of our soldiers with our thoughts and our prayers. Zach Wamp
Whenever I’m given a chance to support veterans’ initiatives, I try to do that. Children and veterans – if they’re involved, you can pretty much count me in. Rob Riggle
I introduced the FREED Vets Act to make student debt forgiveness for disabled veterans automatic, both now and in the future, regardless of who is in the White House. Conor Lamb
The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. Jeff Miller
But this Veterans Day, I believe we should do more than sing the praises of the bravery and patriotism that our veterans have embodied in the past. We should take this opportunity to re-evaluate how we are treating our veterans in the present. Nick Lampson
I would just say there is one misperception of our veterans, and that is they are somehow damaged goods. I don’t buy it. Jim Mattis
As a former veteran, I understand the needs of veterans, and have been clear – we will work together, stand together with the Administration, but we will also question their policies when they shortchange veterans and military retirees. Solomon Ortiz
Edelman diversified into public affairs in the late ’60s with important programs for the Concorde SST, gaining landing rights at JFK Airport in New York, and in the late ’70s generating public approval for the building of the very stark Vietnam Veterans War Memorial in Washington, D.C., from a design by the very young architect Maya Lin. Richard Edelman
Veterans continue to get the short end of the stick when it comes to this administration. Corrine Brown
In addition to demanding answers and accountability from the Veterans Administration, Congress had to act to ensure veterans do not suffer because of the actions of a federal agency. Doc Hastings
The sanctity of our battlefields, monuments, and veterans institutions is of utmost importance to preserve military history and pay respect to those who fought. Henry Waxman
While only one day of the year is dedicated solely to honoring our veterans, Americans must never forget the sacrifices that many of our fellow countrymen have made to defend our country and protect our freedoms. Randy Neugebauer
Memorial Day isn’t just about honoring veterans, its honoring those who lost their lives. Veterans had the fortune of coming home. For us, that’s a reminder of when we come home we still have a responsibility to serve. It’s a continuation of service that honors our country and those who fell defending it. Pete Hegseth
Apprenticeships are a particularly effective way to create career pathways with upward mobility and strong earning potential. Because apprentices receive a paycheck, it’s a great option for those with families to support, including many veterans. Tom Perez