u.s. congressman Mac Thornberry.com serving the people of the 13th district of texas

Last week, I was able to participate in three events that helped remind me that our nation is far greater and far stronger than any President, any Congress, or any election.

On Tuesday, Election Day, I was privileged to re-administer the oath of office to Air Force Captain Doug Jeffrey upon his promotion to Major.  Doug wanted the ceremony to be conducted in his hometown of Vernon with his wife, Molly, their three sons, their parents, and other family and friends in attendance.  It was a beautiful sunny day.  The ceremony was on the grounds of the Wilbarger County Courthouse at the Veterans Memorial, which contains the names of those who sacrificed their lives in previous conflicts.  I was struck by the thought that this is where they come from – this is where America gets the best and brightest to serve in the military.  I also thought that this is what they go to protect – the freedom, the values, the way of life in Vernon, Texas.

Congressman Thornberry re-administers the oath of office to Major Doug Jeffery in Vernon

On Thursday, I attended the annual Veterans Day Luncheon at Amarillo College.  Many veterans’ events focus on older veterans, and there were a number in attendance at lunch.  But Amarillo College has a very active student veterans' club for those who have served and then come home to go back to school.  While attending AC, these veterans are also giving back to the community with a host of projects and activities.  It reminded me that we have always counted on our veterans, not only to defend the country while they serve, but also to help build the country when they come home.

Kay Pittman and her son, Chief Petty Officer Scott Lovvorn, with Congressman Thornberry (Photo by Sherry Seabourn)

Finally, on Friday I attended the 14^th annual Veterans Day Celebration by Travis Elementary School in Pampa.  More than 400 young voices sang to honor our veterans and our nation in front of several visiting wounded warriors and a large crowd from the community.  It was incredibly moving, and I confess I had to wipe away a tear a couple of times.  Mrs. Kay Pittman directs the show and her passion is to see that every student at Travis has a proper appreciation for how fortunate we are as Americans.  I told the students that I wish I could have every member of Congress attend their program.

Children from Travis Elementary in Pampa honor veterans by singing patriotic songs (Photo by Sherry Seabourn)