The Honorable Bob Etheridge
Veterans Day Guest Column
November, 2001

As a nation at war against terrorism observes Veterans Day, I want to salute the men and women who have bravely served our nation in the United States military. From the American Revolution's Minutemen to today's modern soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, American men and women have dedicated themselves to the preservation of liberty and democracy throughout the history of our great nation. Those in uniform - past and present - are the defenders of the American values that have made our nation strong and free.

On this Veterans Day, America faces the greatest challenge to our freedom since World War II. September 11, 2001 will forever be remembered as a day that evil visited our nation as never before. Four hijacked airliners were transformed into missiles, slamming into the Pentagon and the World Trade Center. These attacks caused enormous and previously unthinkable loss of life.

The terrorists who committed these atrocities on completely innocent men, women and children are no mere criminals but are mortal enemies of the United States. But these cowards cannot hide forever. We must respond. We must pursue them until justice is done.

Once again, we have called on our men and women in uniform to defend those values we hold dear. President Bush has said that this campaign will not be simple, it will not be quick, and it will not be without casualties. But we will show the world that any enemy who chooses to test the resolve of the United States will face the collective might of our military. I have full confidence in our Commander in Chief and our armed forces. We will win this war.

As we pray for of those now fighting to avenge the terrible wrongs of September 11, let us not forget those who have preceded them. Their great strength and sacrifice during the conflicts of the past moved heaven and earth, and showed the world that the American warrior is the most potent force on the face of the earth. They came from every racial and national background, from every walk of life. They were our friends and neighbors, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, sisters and brothers. They were ordinary and extraordinary all at once, and all Americans should take a moment to honor their sacrifices.

On this Veterans Day, and every day, let us salute our nation's veterans. May God Bless America, now and forever.

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