For three centuries, the veteran speaks as the custodian of the nation's security and honor, recalling service with Washington in the forests, at Concord's bridge, Bunker Hill, Valley Forge, the Delaware, and Yorktown, and later at New Orleans. The veteran remembers seeing both sides of the War between the States, charging at San Juan, fighting in the Philippines, standing on the Mexican border, serving in the Argonne and at Chateau Thierry, marching in victory, enduring Corregidor and liberation, fighting through jungle and beach campaigns, raising the banner on Okinawa, crossing Normandy's beaches, making a stand across the 38th Parallel, flying Mig Alley, trudging through Viet Nam, and surviving Iraq. Cheered and jeered by fellow countrymen alike, the veteran remains proud of self and country and stands wherever a strong arm and valiant spirit must defend the nation in peace and war.