veteransday

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Washington, Nov 10 - By Iowa Congressman Tom Latham
Iowa’s 4th Congressional District

Veterans Day is a chance for our nation to stand in unity to honor the brave men and women who answered their country’s call to arms and fought to protect the freedom we hold dear.  To those who served in the armed services – and to those who currently wear the uniform – thank you.

No words adequately describe the sacrifice made by our veterans.  Many of them left their homes and families behind to travel across the globe to fight for liberty’s cause.  All too often, they made the ultimate sacrifice.

It’s every American’s responsibility to take a moment to show our veterans that we’re grateful for their service.  It’s also critical that we remember their families, who must also make great sacrifices and deal with absence and loss.

Veterans Day, which is celebrated on the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I, began as a tribute to Americans who died fighting in that conflict.  Congress later passed a law in 1938 to officially make Nov. 11 a national holiday.

Sixteen years later, in 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed legislation, “to honor veterans on the 11th day of November...a day dedicated to World peace,” and formally recognized the day as the time to honor all who have served.

It is my highest duty and privilege to represent the veterans of Iowa’s 4th Congressional District. We must do everything we can to deliver on the benefits our veterans and soldiers were promised.  They have provided us with a powerful model of character, discipline and patriotism, even as they often regard their own military service with modesty and humility.  

Once again, I want to thank the veterans who have done so much to protect us and the values that make the United States the greatest country in the world.  The freedom we enjoy today is a direct result of their service and sacrifice.