Happy Veterans Day!
On Veterans Day, we get to take the time to do something we should do every day – and that is to thank all of our men and women in uniform and honor those who have gone before us. America is forever grateful for the sacrifices you and your families have made for our nation.
As General George Patton said, “The highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country.” Our veterans are the true patriots and heroes that make America the greatest country in the world.
This country exists because its citizens were willing to sacrifice their own lives for the rights and freedoms of their countrymen. And since then, they have been the defenders of those freedoms at home and abroad, in peace and in war.
Today, less than 1% of Americans are able to say that they serve in the Armed Forces. It is a decision that is not made lightly. There are unique sacrifices that come with that service from physical and mental demands to where you are assigned to live. There is also a unique sense of pride and a strong, supportive community that goes with that service that you can lean on during the hard times.
I am especially grateful to the veterans who have reached out to let Congress know how we can best support you. While there’s no shortage of issues to address, and while we will never be able to fully repay your sacrifices, it is because of these kinds of efforts the PACT Act was able to pass earlier this year.
To our military families: Never forget that you are the most important thing to your servicemember, and they could not do what they do without your love and support.
And to the young people: I encourage you to talk to a veteran and ask them about their service and their experiences, and what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.
This nation thanks you and admires all of you at every level of service. May we always remember that America is the land of the free because of the brave. We will never be able to fully repay the debt owed to you, but we will continue to honor you, and I will keep working to support you.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for your service, and God bless America.
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