Veterans Day: A Time to Thank Those Who Have Served

November 11, 2010, WASHINGTON – On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, the Allied nations and Germany ceased fighting World War I upon the announcement of an armistice.  Though a peace treaty was officially signed months later, many recognize this day, November 11, 1918, as the end of the Great War.

In the years following, we recognized November 11 as Armistice Day, a day to honor veterans who served in WWI.  This continued until 1954, following World War II and the effort of our entire nation, when November 11 officially became recognized as Veterans Day, a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

From Europe to Afghanistan, Korea to Iraq, Vietnam to Kuwait, millions of American men and women have answered the call of duty to serve in uniform.  Most have served bravely and honorably, returning to American shores and to their previous lives.  Many others have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Though we should never forget the sacrifice and service of our troops, November 11 is a day we can publicly recognize and say thanks to our veterans.  There are nearly 23 million U.S. military veterans today.  Over the last 26 years, I have had the duty, honor and privilege as a member of Congress to serve them.  It’s been one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

The best weapons in our military arsenal are the men and women serving in uniform, and the best way to recruit new members is by taking care of those who have served.  As a nation, we have a responsibility to take care of those who gave so much for our freedom.

During my time in Congress, I have worked to increase the quality and accessibility of medical care for veterans across the country and specifically in Middle Tennessee. I fought to preserve full medical facilities at Murfreesboro’s York VA Medical Center and help local veterans get access to needed care. 

I’ve helped hundreds of veterans receive the medals they earned but were never awarded during their military service.  My staff and I have helped local veterans cut through government red tape to receive additional benefits promised to them, including access to home loans, disability payments, and education benefits through two GI bills.

This year alone, Congress passed numerous bills to help America’s veterans.  The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act improved resources for veterans living in rural areas, veterans requiring mental health services, women veterans and veterans’ caregivers.  We’ve also passed bills to establish more job opportunities for veterans, assist those in need of financial assistance and improve educational benefits.

Recently, the Department of Veterans Affairs changed the way veterans receive care, particularly those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Vietnam Veterans suffering from conditions associated to the exposure to Agent Orange.

I have had the good fortune to be in a position to help so many veterans, and I am honored and humbled by that privilege.  I encourage all Middle Tennesseans to join me in using this Veterans Day as an opportunity to thank those who have served.  A simple “Thank You” goes a long way.