Nick Saban thanks military members ahead of Veterans Day, shares appreciation

With Veterans Day coming up this week, Alabama head coach Nick Saban took a moment to acknowledge the sacrifices our military makes. Veterans Day — celebrating all military veterans of the United States Armed Forces — falls on Nov. 11, one day ahead of Alabama’s showdown with Ole Miss this week.

Nick Saban shares special Veterans Day message

“One thing I’d like to mention — Veterans Day coming up this week,” said Saban before taking questions on Wednesday. “Just like to take this opportunity to thank all the veterans who served our country. To make the sacrifices they made for the quality of life that maybe so many of us take for granted that we certainly shouldn’t.

“It’s hard to feel bad if you have gratitude for what we have, and we have one of the greatest countries in the world. And all these servicemen have made sacrifices so that we can maintain that. And we appreciate what they do more than you know.”

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Saban is no stranger to using his platform to praise the United States military, frequently sharing his appreciation for those who have served. On the football side of things, Saban previously spent a season coaching defensive backs at Navy in 1982 — something that still affects his coaching style to this day.

Prior to the season, Saban shared a story that he had lectured his players on the importance of following rules as a program. Saban pointed to his time at the Naval Academy to help drive the message home, highlighting what insubordination meant in the Navy.

Saban went on to share a story that someone in the military once shared with him. He said the military officer “was asked to comment one day” on the strict discipline of the military. He was asked “why you making these guys eat off the square, why do you make them do these little things?” And the officer responded, “well, when they’re flying over Libya, and we tell them not to shoot until they get shot at — gotta make damn sure that’s what they do.”