Lisle, Ill. (May 17, 2012) Statement from Archie Massicotte, president, Navistar Defense: This Saturday, May 19, our country will celebrate our 62nd Armed Forces Day, recognizing the men and women who serve so selflessly as soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen to keep our country safe and preserve our freedoms. Some of these brave men and women will make the ultimate sacrifice and we cannot thank all who serve enough for their bravery, dedication and unceasing vigil.

The theme of the first Armed Forces Day (May 20, 1950) was “Teamed for Defense.” Sixty-two years later, that theme rings louder and clearer than ever before. The services and other Government agencies work together as never before, most noticeably in operations recently and a year ago in the fight against terrorism.

We in the Defense Industry must continue to focus all our efforts in providing new innovation and the best products and support to equip our servicemen and women as they deploy around the world. Our team back home and in the field next to them must match the cadence. That’s what they deserve. That’s what we must deliver as a true teammate.

Our deepest thanks go to the men and women who proudly serve with the highest distinction. They are our children, our grandchildren, our family members, our friends, our co-workers and our neighbors. They are our future.