70+ Inspiring Quotes to Thank Veterans and Their Service

Veterans Day is coming up this Nov 11th, 2023 (Saturday). This is the day to recall the sacrifices and hard fights that led to today’s freedom. In fact, this is the day to observe more heartily, more enthusiastically.

Here we bring 70+ Thank you veterans quotes. Let’s show your love to military Veterans and soldiers who defended the land in 1918.

Table of Contents

Veterans Day Quotes from Presidents and Notable Figures

The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation. – George Washington

As the first President of the United States and a veteran himself, Washington emphasizes the importance of how a nation treats its veterans, suggesting that the future willingness to serve is heavily influenced by the respect and honor given to past veterans.

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. – John F. Kennedy

Kennedy, known for his inspirational leadership, stresses the importance of action over words in expressing gratitude, encouraging us to show our appreciation for veterans through our deeds and the way we live our lives.

Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. A veteran does not have that problem. – Ronald Reagan

Reagan acknowledges the significant impact and difference veterans have made in the world, reminding us of the unique and important role they play in shaping history and safeguarding freedom.

Our veterans accepted the responsibility to defend America and uphold our values when duty called. – Bill Shuster

Shuster recognizes the commitment and responsibility embraced by veterans, highlighting the values they uphold and the sacrifices they make in the defense of American ideals.

Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause. – Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln honors not only those who serve in the military but also the citizens who support them, underscoring the collective effort and sacrifice in serving a nation’s cause.

History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid. – Dwight D. Eisenhower

Eisenhower, a five-star general and later President, speaks to the resilience and courage required to protect freedom, paying tribute to the strength and determination of veterans.

Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices. – Harry S. Truman

Truman, a veteran of World War I, acknowledges the immense debt owed to those who serve, emphasizing that the sacrifices made by veterans are a cornerstone of American freedom.

Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them. – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Roosevelt, leading the nation through World War II, reminds us of the sacrifices made for the freedoms we often take for granted, encouraging reflection on the cost of these liberties.

A man who is good enough to shed his blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards. – Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt, a veteran of the Spanish-American War, advocates for the proper treatment and recognition of those who have served, speaking to the fairness and respect owed to veterans.

Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few. – Winston Churchill

Churchill, the British Prime Minister during WWII, famously acknowledges the extraordinary contributions of the few (the Royal Air Force) in the face of overwhelming odds, becoming synonymous with the valor and sacrifice of military service.

Freedom is never free. – Author Unknown

This quote succinctly captures the essence of military sacrifice. It reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy come at a cost, often paid by the bravery and sacrifices of our veterans.

The patriot’s blood is the seed of Freedom’s tree. – Thomas Campbell

Thomas Campbell, a Scottish poet, highlights the ultimate sacrifice made by patriots for the nation’s freedom. This quote is a poignant reminder of the legacy left by veterans.

Bravery is being the only one who knows you’re afraid. – Colonel David Hackworth

Colonel Hackworth, one of America’s most decorated soldiers, speaks to the courage of facing fear head-on, a quality exemplified by veterans.

In valor there is hope. – Publius Cornelius Tacitus

Tacitus, a Roman historian, suggests that hope for a better future is often anchored in the valor displayed by soldiers, a sentiment that resonates deeply on Veterans Day.

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. – Joseph Campbell

Campbell, an American mythologist, writer, and lecturer, defines heroism in terms of self-sacrifice for a greater cause, a fitting tribute to veterans.

The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war. – Douglas MacArthur

General MacArthur, a prominent figure in American military history, highlights the soldier’s unique perspective on the value of peace.

We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us. – Winston S. Churchill

Churchill’s words acknowledge the often unseen sacrifices made by soldiers to ensure national security and peace.

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. – Elmer Davis

Elmer Davis, a news reporter, and author, ties the concept of freedom directly to the bravery of those who defend it, like our veterans.

The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example. – Benjamin Disraeli

Disraeli, a British statesman, and novelist, speaks to the enduring impact of heroes, which veterans undoubtedly are, through their examples of courage and sacrifice.

To command is to serve, nothing more and nothing less. – Andre Malraux

Malraux, a French novelist, conveys the essence of leadership in the military, where service and command are deeply intertwined.

Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened. – Billy Graham

Billy Graham, an influential American evangelist, speaks to the inspirational power of courage, a quality abundantly found in veterans.

The only war is the war you fought in. Every veteran knows that. – Allan Keller

Keller’s words reflect the deeply personal nature of military service and the unique experiences of each veteran.

A soldier doesn’t fight because he hates what is in front of him. He fights because he loves what he left behind. – Author Unknown

This quote emphasizes the motivation behind a soldier’s duty – love for their country and the people they protect.

Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with. – Brodi Ashton, “Everneath”

Ashton, an author, highlights that heroism is a result of choices and actions, resonating with the decisions made by veterans in their service.

The true soldier fights not for the hatred of what is in front of him, but for the love of what is behind him. – G.K. Chesterton

Chesterton, an English writer, philosopher, and critic, captures the essence of a soldier’s motivation, which is not animosity but love and duty towards their homeland.

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

Reflects on the importance of fulfilling national promises to veterans and their families.

The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. – Jeff Miller

Highlights the sacrifices of America’s veterans and the gratitude they deserve.

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

Emphasizes honoring the sacrifices for freedom and democracy.

America’s Veterans have served their country with the belief that democracy and freedom are ideals to be upheld around the world. – John Doolittle

Speaks to veterans’ service in the name of democracy and freedom worldwide.

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

Recognizes the lifelong dedication of veterans to their country.

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

Reminds us to remember veterans’ sacrifices beyond just Veterans Day.

We owe our World War II veterans – and all our veterans – a debt we can never fully repay. – Doc Hastings

Addresses the immense debt owed to World War II and all soldiers.

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

Discusses the benefits of hiring veterans for their skills and leadership.

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

Urges a re-evaluation of how veterans are treated currently.

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

Notes the role of service dogs in helping veterans engage socially.

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

Talks about the importance of preserving military history and respecting veterans.

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

Discusses cynicism’s impact on veterans and their perception.

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

Addresses the moral injury and guilt experienced by veterans.

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

Highlights veterans as symbols of national greatness and freedom.

Military service members and veterans, like my uncle, enable me to live my life with freedom and liberty. – George Kittle

Expresses personal gratitude for the freedoms provided by military service members.

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

Acknowledges the need to honor veterans and their families consistently.

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

Differentiates between honoring living veterans and memorializing fallen soldiers.

I hope to live long enough to see my surviving comrades march side by side with the Union veterans along Pennsylvania Avenue, and then I will die happy. – James Longstreet

Hopes for unity among veterans of different wars.

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

Discusses recognizing individual veterans in war memorials.

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

Talks about healing and moving forward with Vietnam veterans.

I think the government has a role to play in helping people with PTSD. Certainly, veterans who’ve come back from Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from PTSD deserve treatment which is thorough and comprehensive. – Moby

Believes in the government’s role in caring for soldiers.

You can’t understand until you’ve been in that situation. The things that these young men and women go through, it’s life-changing. They come back, they’re different. We owe them. – Tommy Tuberville

Highlights the long-term impact of combat on veterans.

Veterans face many challenges when they return home. It’s shocking to think that one of these challenges might be that their job isn’t there for them when they return. – John Delaney

Discusses the transition challenges faced by veterans.

It’s unacceptable that disabled veterans in America can live their lives with the fear of losing their homes because of their inability to pay property taxes. – Chris Gardner

Addresses poverty and homelessness among veterans.

We need to provide our all volunteer military with the best equipment, the best benefits, and the best medical care. They deserve nothing less. – Sue Kelly

Speaks on the necessity of quality benefits and medical care for veterans.

Veterans should have the choice to see the doctors they want to see and to get the care they need when they need it. – David Jolly

Proposes giving veterans more choice in their healthcare.

Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices. – Michelle Obama

Emphasizes national love and gratitude for veterans.

We must ensure that every veteran has a house, medical care, a job, and an education. We owe them that much. – Solomon Ortiz

Discusses the need for supportive government policies for veterans.

We have a moral obligation to support and protect our veterans, and we are failing in that duty. – Letitia James

Highlights the service gaps for veterans.

Caring for veterans shouldn’t be a partisan issue. It should an American one. – Steve Buyer

Talks about the American value of caring for veterans.

We are working to ensure that veterans can access health care when and where they need it. It’s our top priority. – Robert Wilkie

Addresses access issues to medical care for veterans.

We made a promise to our veterans. We have to keep it. That means ensuring they get the care they’ve been promised. – Raphael Warnock

Commits to ensuring veterans receive promised care.

I have nothing but pride for what our veterans have done and continue to do for our country. – Jim Davis

Expresses pride and gratitude for veterans’ contributions.

Our veterans deserve not only our gratitude but also the best medical and psychological care we can provide. – Bill Foster

Discusses the need for comprehensive assistance for veterans.

It’s essential that we get our veterans timely access to the quality health care they have earned and deserve. – David Shulkin

Focuses on the importance of timely medical care for veterans.

When you look at what’s happening with our veterans and the way they’re treated, I can’t help but think that people like Chelsea Manning get more attention than the real issues our veterans face. – Dakota Meyer

Compares the needs of veterans to the platform of Chelsea Manning.

We’ve come a long way since Vietnam in how we treat our veterans, but we still have a long way to go. – Barbara Bush

Reflects on the improved treatment of veterans compared to the Vietnam era.

I went to North Vietnam to try to stop the bombing of the dikes and to help increase the pressure for the Nixon administration to end the war. That was the intention. – Jane Fonda

Describes her involvement with veterans and the Vietnam War.

My father earned his citizenship by serving in the United States Army during World War II. That’s a debt I can never repay. – Tom Perez

Shares a personal story about his father, a veteran.

Among the many things that this country has been in denial about is how poorly we treat our veterans. – George Packer

Lists veterans’ care among critical unaddressed issues.

My military experience definitely shaped who I am today. It taught me discipline, respect, and the value of hard work. – Chuck Norris

Talks about how military experience shaped his character.

We need to make sure that our disabled veterans have access to paid medical leave. It’s the least we can do for those who have sacrificed so much for our country. – John Delaney

Proposes solutions for disabled veterans’ medical leave.

Disabled veterans should not have to worry about student loan debt. Automatic forgiveness is a step in the right direction. – Conor Lamb

Advocates for automatic debt forgiveness for disabled veterans.

When I was on ‘Mama’s Family,’ we had young actors who didn’t understand the importance of respecting veterans. I made sure they learned. – Vicki Lawrence

Reflects on teaching young actors about respecting veterans.

I’ve always been interested in how veterans readjust to civilian life. Their experiences are something we should all try to understand. – George Pelecanos

Shares his interest in veterans’ post-service life adjustments.

Wishes and Sayings to Thank Veterans

Our greatest appreciation cannot just be expressed in words, but in the way we love our country
We honor your fight in the name of freedom.
Heroism is seen in the sacrifice that you gave.
The cost of freedom is high only because the value of the hero is as well.
We celebrate the heroes who fought for freedom.
How great is the life that sacrifices itself so others may live.
Your fight is not forgotten, and your victory is not in vain. We celebrate you.
Our veterans deserve the highest praise for giving their all for us all.
It was for more than duty, honor, and country. It was for freedom. Thank you for your service.
Cheers to the great men and women who fought for our country.