A Veterans Day Tribute by Leader Heard
Veterans Day is more than just a day to say “thank you.” As elected officials, we owe our own service in return for our veterans’ sacrifices of time away from the home front—not just for one day, but for the lifetime of our calling.
We owe our veterans the rights and privileges we enjoy as American citizens, and in return, we owe them good citizenship. By serving others honestly and with integrity, we can thank those who have given their state and nation so much.
For the millions of young men and women who have worn the uniform through war and peace; for those who fought for our right to free speech, for the opportunities, the freedom, and the liberty we enjoy today; for the protectors of our country and our freedom—it is in your honor and spirit that we serve.
As we mark the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, which ended the First World War in 1918, let us lose neither the solemn pride in heroism nor the gratitude in victory that President Woodrow Wilson spoke of in 1919. We must never neglect our reverence of those who take the uniform upon their shoulders and fight for our ideals.
Thank you and God bless you.