Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04)
As we head into the weekend, I hope you will join me in reflecting on the service and sacrifice our veterans have made to preserve the liberties we enjoy today. The men and women who boldly embraced the call of duty, knowingly heading straight toward conflict instead of shying away from it, are deserving of our thanks and gratitude not only on Veterans Day, but every day.
The timing of Veterans Day is no accident. It wasn’t picked because the date had a special ring to it or because someone had a particular interest in the month of November. No, it was chosen because on the eleventh hour of November 11, 1918, fighting ceased between the Allied Nations and Germany during World War I, otherwise known as Armistice Day. We are fortunate to live in a country that experiences freedoms so many others are desperate to have. However, we all know that freedom isn’t free. Our veterans have given their all – the comfort of home, their safety, and even their lives – to ensure that the ideals our nation was founded upon can be enjoyed by us today and our children and grandchildren tomorrow. Even now, thousands of active-duty service members are deployed across the globe. Regardless of their circumstances, these service men and women stay the course, remain steadfast, and do their duty to serve their country – no matter the cost.
The price for freedom is high, and we will never be able to repay them for what they have given. My prayers are with the veterans who continue to struggle with issues brought home from their time at war. We continue to lose veterans to suicide every day, and we must work harder to stop this unfortunate reality. While we may not ever be able to thank them fully for what they have done, we can certainly remain committed to providing them with the care and service they need and honor them for their service. It is vital that we continue to improve the Veterans Health Administration and the Veterans Benefits Administration so that veterans continue to receive the VA medical care and disability payments they deserve. Additionally, if you are a veteran or have a family member who has served and would like to have a veteran’s story recorded in the Library of Congress, I invite you to reach out to my office to participate in the Veterans History Project.
This Veterans Day, join me in thanking our veterans for their service to our country. I am honored to continue fighting for these patriots in Congress to ensure that they receive the benefits they have earned. If you, or a veteran you know, need assistance with issues related to the VA, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Merchant Marines, or Coast Guard, please contact my Hot Springs office at 501-609-9796 or visit Westerman.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency. Again, I humbly thank each patriot who has selflessly served our nation, and I wish you and your family a happy Veterans Day.