"Our men and women in uniform represent the best our nation has to offer. And as we gather as a nation on this Veterans Day to honor and pay tribute to those who have selflessly served, I hope you will join me in thanking our veterans.
"Virginia is home to over 800,000 veterans and countless more parents and family members of those in uniform who have made immeasurable sacrifices in the name of American freedom. And as we all reflect on the liberties and opportunities we all hold so dear, it is important to remember that it is our veterans, throughout the generations, who have preserved our way of life.
"Throughout our history, we have encountered grave challenges, and indeed today our challenges still persist. But our veterans remind us of the courage and perseverance that set Americans apart.
"Oftentimes when I am walking through our nation's capitol, I reflect in the rotunda, among those who have gone before us and paved our great history. And in the rotunda is a painting of the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis, depicting the British Surrender at Yorktown, right here in Virginia. Led by General George Washington, this battle ultimately established our American independence. As I walk by that painting, and through our nation's capitol, I am always reminded of our first veterans who sacrificed to establish this great nation, and all of our veterans since that time who have stepped up to the plate when we have needed them most.
"As we work to address our nation's challenges, we do so with their sacrifices in mind. As we address those great challenges, we must remain as our veterans are - committed in our efforts to preserving our American way of life for those who will come after us, and committed to preserving those very freedoms that so many before us have heroically defended.
"I am proud to serve our veterans in Central and Southside Virginia, and I hope that you will join with me this Veterans Day in thanking all of those who have and continue to serve this great nation."
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