November 6, 2009

 

This week in Washington, I paused to reflect on the sacrifices those who serve in our military services -- and their families – make in the defense of our country.

 

Veterans Day 2009, when we honor the courageous service of millions of American soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen, is made all the more poignant by the tragic event at Ft. Hood.  Using the word tragedy to describe what happened there would be an understatement.  Our hearts are broken by this news and our prayers go out to the victims and their families.

 

Freedom is not free – it comes at an incredible price.  Over the great history of our nation, millions of Americans have answered the call to protect our nation from the tyranny of fascism, communism, and today, terrorism.

 

After World War I, President Woodrow Wilson recommended a special observance known as Armistice Day “for those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory.”

 

Each day, our armed forces make profound sacrifices to maintain our security and strengthen our democratic ideals.  Our troops selflessly put themselves in harm’s way, while enduring innumerable physical and mental challenges. 
  

As President Calvin Coolidge once said, “the nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” 

 

This Veterans Day, with our nation currently at war, let us remember the sacrifices made by the brave men and women of our armed forces.  We are eternally indebted to them.  It is through their sacrifice and patriotism that we have the security, prosperity and freedom that we enjoy today.

 

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