I extend my deepest gratitude to our Armed Forces and first responders serving both at home and abroad in the war against terrorism.

Every member of the U.S. Armed Forces knows what they signed up for, and they know what their job is, and they are proud of their job.

You know, 1% of us is in the armed forces, protecting the other 99, and they're all volunteers.

Our men and women in our armed forces are the real heroes in this conflict.

We are indebted to the men and women serving in our armed forces for their dedicated and unselfish service to our country.

I was Minister for the Armed Forces in the Ministry of Defence for two years prior to being appointed Defence Secretary.