Notes from the West Wing
By
State Representative Garey Bies
Veterans Day
This Tuesday November 11th we celebrate Veterans Day on the anniversary of the ending of World War I, the armistice that began on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. If only World War I was “the War to end all wars,” we might still be calling this day Armistice Day.
Today is a day that I would ask every American to stop and give pause to think about those brave men and women in uniform who have so selflessly served our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. For those of us who know veterans or have these heroes in their family I ask one other thing of you: thank them for serving.
Our great nation has never had a shortage of brave men and women who are unafraid to meet the challenges to our freedom abroad. We owe those that have served in the Armed Forces, past and present, living and dead, a debt of gratitude for their courage and willingness to defend our liberty. We also must never forget our prisoners of war and missing in action. To my fellow veterans I would like to tell you that as a member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans & Military Affairs it has been my honor to work on your behalf for the benefits that you deserve - from the bottom of my heart, thank you for serving. To the Marine veterans out there – Happy Birthday!