Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, 1st District of Nebraska | The Fort Report : Celebrating Veterans Day
November 10,2010
Unsubscribe Contact Jeff Update My Profile
The Fort Report

Celebrating Veterans Day

Recently I walked into a Wahoo High School gym packed to its capacity.  Nearly two thousand people (students, staff, children, and adults) filled the auditorium.  Some held signs and others waved flags. Many were solemn yet proud; all were excited but also anxious. 

It was not a Warriors basketball or volleyball game.  Relatives and friends had gathered to bid farewell to the soldiers of the Nebraska National Guard’s 623rd Engineering Company, whose 160 members were departing for training and then deployment to Afghanistan.  The extraordinary outpouring of community support showed as schoolchildren chanted “USA” and lined the sidewalks on which the troops walked from the gym to their buses.  Families held signs of support for their soldiers: “We love you!”  “Stay Safe!” and “God Bless the 623rd!”  Friends and family surrounded their departing soldiers, before and after the ceremony, showering each with love and wishing a quick and safe return.

It was a clear reflection of the tremendous support Americans provide members of the Armed Forces and military veterans.  November 11 is Veterans Day, an important opportunity for all of us to reflect on the service of soldiers yesterday and today, and the gratitude and honor owed them now and in the future.

In concluding my remarks to the troops at the send-off ceremony in Wahoo, I noted, “Our first President George Washington said, ‘When we assumed the Soldier, we did not lay aside the Citizen.’” Our defenders in the field are continuing the storied tradition of the American citizen soldier.  They are our friends and neighbors, leaders in our communities.  Their sacrifice ensures our security and our capacity to exercise our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We are committed to supporting their families while they are away, and we are committed to supporting them when they return. We honor their sacrifice. 

Let me profess my profound appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our military men and women as well as the families that support their dedication to defending our great nation.  To all military members fighting today and veterans of past conflicts:  Nebraska thanks you.  America thanks you.  And I thank you.  This Veterans Day, our commitment and promise to you, like your unyielding service to America, remains as strong as ever in our nation’s history.

 

Sincerely,

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry
Congressman Jeff Fortenberry

 

Congressman Jeff Fortenberry on You Tube Congressman Jeff Fortenberry on Facebook Congressman Jeff Fortenberry on Twitter

 

Please Feel Free to
Tell a Friend:

Contact Information
Update My Profile Unsubscribe Contact Jeff Privacy