On this Independence Day, we honor the generations of Americans who have defended the enduring promise first declared in 1776—that liberty is worth preserving, freedom is worth defending, and service to something greater than ourselves is among life’s highest callings.
To our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Guardians, Coast Guardsmen, civilian teammates, veterans, military families, and the many citizens who support them: thank you. Your commitment, sacrifice, and quiet acts of service ensure that our Nation remains properly armed, globally integrated with allies and partners, and ready to defend the Nation.
As we mark America’s 250th birthday, let us remember that our strength has always come from our people—their character, courage, and willingness to serve.
Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸
Today, I had the honor of recognizing Marine Corps legends Maj James Capers Jr. and the late Col John Ripley as Medal of Honor recipients for their heroic actions in Vietnam. Their valor, unwavering resolve, and fighting spirit remain an enduring example for every Marine.
Two of Colonel John Ripley’s sons were classmates at VMI. A legendary Marine, he sometimes dropped in on our boxing practice and scared the crap out of all us cadets while leaving us in awe.
Col. Ripley almost singlehandedly stopped a North Vietnamese division by placing explosives on the Bridge at Dong Ha while under five hours of continuous tank and machine gun fire.
Honored to see his family receive this long overdue Medal of Honor. Semper Fi & Rah Virginia Mil! 🇺🇸
Today, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine joined the nation in honoring retired Army Maj. Nicholas Dockery, retired Marine Corps Maj. James Capers Jr. and posthumously to Marine Corps Col. John W. Ripley.
Their example inspires the Joint Force and reflects the very best of our Armed Forces.
Today, at the New York Military Entrance Processing Station, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine administered the oath of enlistment to more than a dozen of America’s newest service members.
Gen. Caine thanked them for stepping forward to serve and defend the United States to be part of something greater than themselves, and recognized the families, mentors, and communities who helped them reach this moment.
The future Joint Force is stronger because of Americans like these.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine stood alongside veterans, service members, and Allies today at the Normandy American Cemetery, honoring the 82nd anniversary of D-Day.
We honor the immense courage and selfless sacrifice of the Greatest Generation, whose legacy of unity and bravery continues to inspire us and safeguard freedom for generations to come.
#DDay #SwordOfFreedom @usabmc
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine was in Caracas, Venezuela, today for his first official visit to the country. Gen. Caine participated in bilateral discussions with senior interim government leaders and U.S. Embassy leadership and staff. He also visited the Embassy’s Marine Security Augmentation Unit, thanking the Marines and expressing deep gratitude for their dedicated Service.
https://t.co/0eyZ4TAAI6
Last night, I had the honor of hosting the 22nd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Gen Caine, for a Friday Evening Parade at @MBWDC. Your leadership of @thejointstaff has been tremendous as @USMC supports the Joint Force globally as the Nation’s naval expeditionary force in readiness.
On #MilitarySpouseAppreciationDay, we express deep gratitude to the spouses who serve right alongside their service members. You carry the weight of deployments, moves, missed milestones, long nights, and uncertainty. You build stability in the middle of change, strengthen our families and communities, and make our Joint Force more ready.
On #VeteransDay, we honor all who have served – and continue to serve – our great nation. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication to duty inspire us all. It is our distinct honor to serve with you and your families, and to work to ensure you are prepared to meet and prevail against the challenges facing America today and tomorrow.
Three years ago, my son Joel wrote to @CIA asking if he and his dog Ellie could be spies. A few months later, the agency wrote back and said he would have a good chance if he did good in school. They sent him baseball cards with CIA EOD dogs and a couple EOD challenge coins.
#CIA's Memorial Wall has served as a reminder of sacrifice and honor for 50 years. Learn more about its creation and hear a few of the human stories behind the stars.
May we never forget.
Thank you to all the first responders from that day and thank you to the Passengers of Flight 93 who were the first Americans to fight back and to your families
May we never forget our Fallen and their families
#NeverForget#NeverForgotten#Sept11