Today, on Veterans Day, we show a special appreciation for the veterans who put their lives at risk to keep our country safe. Around half a million veterans live in our state along with their families. Many of which live in our district.
Service members experience tremendous challenges: extended time away from family, constantly risking their safety, and many uncertainties that too often go unnoticed by everyday Americans.
I learned that from my dad.
My dad, Don Eickholdt, passed away two years ago at the age of 94. He served in the Navy in both World War II and in Korea. He was so proud of his service and so proud to be an American. I was grateful that he lived with me and my family the last few years of his life when he was able to share with me many stories of his time in the Navy.
Many of us have served or have family members who have served in the Military. We must take time to listen to their stories. Write them down or record them on video. Keep in mind that sometimes they are too difficult to share now but maybe later on, when more time has passed they can open up about them.
As a child, I heard some of my dad’s stories, but it wasn’t until I was an adult when I felt their emotional weight. What he, his brothers, and my grandparents endured was unimaginable. So today, let us reflect on everyone who has served this great country. We owe them a great debt of gratitude, but we need to do more.
Let us not only thank them in words but by deeds as well, by shoring up services and benefits for them that they’ve sacrificed so much for. This means fully funding our veterans’ health care departments; ensuring no veteran is at risk of homelessness, and that all have a warm roof over their head; and keeping our government and the additional critical services it provides to our veterans open.
We acknowledge them today, but every day we should thank those who’ve allowed us to live freely and democratically for our entire lives.
Happy Veterans Day.
Diane
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