November 10, 2009

Veterans Day Message from Ranking Member Buyer

For more information, contact: Brian Lawrence (202) 225-3527

Washington, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member Steve Buyer made the following statement in honor of Veterans Day:

“Today we honor our nation’s veterans—the noble citizens who have served our country in uniform, we celebrate Veterans Day by remembering the sacrifices that our servicemembers and veterans have made, and will continue to make, on our behalf to protect our freedom and way of life.  I encourage everyone to seek out the veterans within your community and thank them for their service and sacrifice.”

“This Veterans Day is of particular significance as it occurs just two days after the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.  On November 9th, 1989, the Berlin Wall came crumbling down and no longer separated democratic West Germany from communist East Germany.  It was one of the most visible events leading to the unification of Germany, the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union, and the beginning of the end of the Cold War.”

“The contributions of our Cold War veterans are often overlooked. At its end, there were no parades and no medals awarded. Veterans of the 46-year long struggle operated in the shadows of the Korean and Vietnam wars while maintaining a nuclear-ready military force critical to deterring Soviet aggression and the expansion of Communism worldwide.  Our Cold War veterans displayed constant vigilance and the utmost discipline under some of the most precarious situations in which abrupt responses might lead to all out war between two military super powers.” 

“Cold War veterans consist of soldiers who patrolled hostile borders, sailors who kept watch above and below the sea, airmen who flew dangerous reconnaissance missions, marines who fought isolated firefights, and advisors who helped armies of fledgling countries resist communism.  All too many of these heroes paid the fullest measure and were killed in training and in some instances direct conflict.  We owe eternal gratitude to these men and women whose protection ushered in the greatest prosperity in our nation’s history.”  

“I encourage all to reach out and express your appreciation to veterans on this Day.  Seek the knowledge and experience that they hold.  Cherish the work ethic and patriotism veterans bring to the work place.  Above all, use this day to remember and be thankful for the service and sacrifice of all veterans.” 

For more news from House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Republicans, please go to:  

http://www.republicans.veterans.house.gov/

http://www.youtube.com/user/VetAffairsRepublican

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