Gratitude to Our Nation’s Bravest-- Everyday
WASHINGTON, D.C.,
Nov 11, 2011 -
Imagine putting your life on hold, bound for a foreign country, knowing that you will be directly in harm’s way. Imagine missing loved ones’ birthdays, anniversaries and the holidays. Imagine knowing that going away means your return is not guaranteed.
There is no need to imagine; simply talk to our country’s brave veterans and their families. They may live down the street, they may be coworkers -- they may even be family members or friends. It is because of their dedication and loyal service to our nation that we as Americans can live our lives as we do today. Every single American is profoundly impacted by these heroes’ incredible sacrifices.
Today is Veterans Day, a celebration to commemorate those who have so bravely fought for our nation. They are shining examples of what America stands for: freedom, bravery, and liberty.
In October, I had the privilege of greeting the final Honor Flight of Wyoming World War II veterans to Washington, D.C. The Honor Flight program, which began in 2009, has since sent more than 600 Wyoming heroes to visit the WWII Memorial built in their honor.
It is impossible to put into words the feelings of pride, respect, and gratitude in seeing our veterans, many for the very first time, visit their memorial. Having a chance to thank Wyoming’s WWII patriots as they visited their memorial will forever remain a precious memory of mine.
Wyoming has a proud history of military stewardship, and our state’s heritage of military service will continue to be strong. Today, thousands serve at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne. Wyoming is also home to several thousand Army Reservists and National Guard Members.
Wyoming’s soldiers have always been ready and willing to respond to the call of duty in defense of our great nation. The freedoms we enjoy here in Wyoming and across the United States have come at a high cost in the personal commitment and very lives of America’s service members. No amount of compensation will adequately reflect the sacrifices being made by these individuals, but Congress must do its best to give them and their families a high quality of life, in particular for the family members of those that end up paying the ultimate sacrifice.
These valiant members of our community deserve our endless thanks, not only today, but at every single opportunity that we can show them our gratitude.
