U.S. Congressman Fred Upton

Washington, DC, Nov 9 - U.S. Representative Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) issued the following statement in recognition of Veterans Day:

Every November, we honor the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who have answered the call to serve.  Veterans Day is a solemn celebration of all those in uniform who have given so much for our country and the freedoms that we cherish.  We remember those who have served in wars past and keep in mind those fighting on the front lines today.   We owe all who served – past and present – an enormous debt of gratitude.

America’s veterans proudly span the generations since our nation’s founding nearly 24 decades ago.  While they come from many different backgrounds, they fought for us and for one another as brothers and sisters in arms.  We honor them for their courage and devotion.

This Veterans Day we are reminded that freedom does not come without a price.  All of our service members and their families have been asked to give something of themselves – many have given everything.  We can never fully repay the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice, but it is our sacred duty to remember the fallen today.  These men and women were still in the prime of their lives and followed a selfless path that led them to serve.  They leave behind a community of loved ones that misses them deeply every day.

We also remember the troops who are still fighting for our nation today.  As we wind down our military presence in Afghanistan, we must continue to give our soldiers and their families the support they deserve, both on the battlefield and back home.  They deserve nothing less than the best.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families, and we all look forward to their safe return home.

We are forever grateful to all veterans who defended our homeland in times of peace and war.  We truly remain the land of the free because of our brave.