With Thanks on Veterans Day
Washington,
Nov 11 -
“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”
With these words, on November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson marked the United States’ first annual celebration of Armistice Day. Established by Congress and President Wilson earlier that month, Armistice Day commemorated the end of World War I and recognized the service of the men who served in the Great War. Forty-five years later, in 1954, Congress changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Although the holiday’s name change reflected the sad reality that WWI was not “the war to end all wars,” the purpose of the day remains the same: to honor those veterans who lived to tell their tales of valor and sacrifice.
As a former member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the Member of Congress with the largest veteran constituency in the country, I have proudly worked to serve our nation’s veterans. From demanding shorter wait times for VA doctor’s appointments to leading the charge to pass the first expansion of the GI Bill since WWII, it was my duty to improve the lives of veterans not only in Florida’s 5th Congressional District but across the entire United States.
While Veterans Day is an important reminder to honor our heroes, it is not enough to only acknowledge their efforts and sacrifices once a year. With all we have accomplished during my time in Congress, there is still more work to be done. Although I am retiring at the end of the 111th Congress, I am heartened to know that my successor, Rich Nugent, will keep my commitment to the veterans of Florida’s 5th District alive. A proud, six year veteran of the Illinois Air National Guard and the father of three sons serving in the military, I know that Rich will be a strong advocate for our men and women in uniform both when they are fighting in combat and when they arrive home and return civilian life.
President John F. Kennedy once said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” I challenge us all to ensure that Veterans Day is more than just a day off of work or an opportunity for sales at the mall. Today, I invite you to join me, my colleagues, and others in our community to celebrate the brave men and women who have served and are serving in our military. I encourage you to take the time to think about the sacrifices that every member of the United States Armed Forces has made throughout our nation’s history and to thank the veterans in your life for protecting freedom and liberty at home and abroad. The United States of America would not be “the land of the free and the home of the brave” without their efforts.
For our veterans, these true American heroes, I am forever proud and infinitely grateful.
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