VFW 10209 Grand Opening

Washington, D.C., Nov 14, 2008 -

Ninety years ago President Woodrow Wilson and the U.S. Congress created a new federal holiday to commemorate the end of World War I and recognize the service of the brave men who fought in the cause of freedom.  Known originally as Armistice Day, this holiday honored veterans and fallen soldiers of what was then known as the “Great War,” and was a day to work toward worldwide peace efforts.

It was not until 1954 that Congress changed the name from Armistice Day to the current Veterans Day, and placed the focus strictly on surviving veterans of American military service.  This change reflected the tragic events of the previous thirty-six years; the conclusion of World War II and the Korean War.  While the official celebratory date for Veterans Day changed during the 1950s, 60s and 70s, President Gerald Ford officially set the date of November 11th as the day all Americans would celebrate Veterans Day.  Since that time our nation has commemorated the accomplishments of our military veterans who served in conflicts around the world.

Not to be confused with Memorial Day, a federal holiday to honor those who gave their lives as members of American armed forces, Veterans Day was instituted to honor those veterans who lived to tell their tales of valor and sacrifice.  Across the country, communities large and small pause each November 11 to give praise to the brave men and women who served in our military.  Whether it is a parade in Brooksville or a ceremony at Florida National Cemetery, the 5^th District once again did its part this year to say thank you to our veteran heroes.

As a senior member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I have worked tirelessly in Congress to support our veterans.  Whether it was passing the first expansion of the GI Bill in decades, or pushing legislation that guarantees veterans see a doctor within thirty days, I have continued to support our soldiers once they have finished their military service and entered the veteran community.

In a speech given in Springfield, Illinois in 1903, President Teddy Roosevelt discussed the debt owed to veterans by their government.  President Roosevelt said that, "A man who is good enough to shed his blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards. More than that no man is entitled, and less than that no man shall have."  More than one hundred years later, his sentiment holds true for all American veterans.

I promise to uphold President Roosevelt’s charge during the next two years.  While Veterans Day is an important holiday to honor our heroes, Congress must work year-round to support policies and laws that take care of the needs of all veterans.  I will work hard to meet that challenge during the next two years and do my utmost to appropriately honor 5th District veterans.