Friends and neighbors,

On this Veterans Day, I want to thank every man and woman who has raised their right hand to protect and defend this country. Since this country’s founding, veterans have kept us safe and defended the values written into our Constitution. Having served in the Marine Corps, this day has special meaning for me.

These ideas, passed down through generations from our Founding Fathers, still form the foundation of who we are, and it’s up to us to keep it that way. Serving in the Marines was one of the great honors of my life, but whether you served or not, each of us has a part to play in keeping the liberties that so many people fought to protect.

May God bless our veterans, their families, and the United States of America.