[Video below.] Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a deeply personal message during a press briefing on Thursday, recounting a conversation with his teenage son that underscored the human cost of the ongoing war and the stakes involved for future generations.

Speaking to reporters, Hegseth described how his 13-year-old son entered his office the night before as he was preparing his remarks and asked about the conflict and the families he had recently met at Dover Air Force Base.

“My 13-year-old son popped into my office last night while I was editing these remarks,” he shared. “He asked about the war and the families I met at Dover.”

Hegseth said he responded candidly, explaining the sacrifices made by fallen service members and what he believes those sacrifices are meant to protect.

“And I looked at him and I said, ‘They died for you, son, so that your generation doesn’t have to deal with a nuclear Iran.'”

Reflecting on that exchange, he emphasized that he believes those words capture a difficult but real truth.

“It’s the truth, and they did,” he added.

Hegseth went on to address the families of fallen soldiers, saying their calls to see the mission through would be honored, and he extended that message to Americans who support a strong national defense.

“So, to the families who said ‘finish this’ – we will. And I say the same to every American who wants peace through strength. May Almighty G-d continue to bless our troops in this fight, and again, to the American people: Please pray for them.”