U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, joined former soldiers, sailors, airmen and their families in Conroe Saturday to celebrate Veterans Day with down-home cooking and conversation.

Brady, fresh off re-election to his ninth term in Congress, attended the special daylong event at VFW Post 4709.

“It’s an honor and a privilege for me to be here with you today,” Brady said. “This is the 50th anniversary of this post and the 237th anniversary of the founding of the Marine Corps.”

Brady told veterans that it is important for America to honor the 1 percent of our population that steps forward to volunteer for the military and defend American rights and values.

“In a sense, every day should be Veterans Day,” Brady said. “All Americans owe you a great debt of gratitude.”

Brady said the sentiment was especially noteworthy because he is holding interviews with candidates for American military appointments. He had high praise for the courage and sense of honor in the young men and women with whom he was meeting.

Ron Haket, 71, of Willis, was impressed Brady took time to attend the Veterans Day event at VFW Post 4709. He said it was good of the congressman to sit down and talk and share a meal with members.

“This is good grassroots politics,” said Haket, a veteran of the U.S. Navy. “Our leaders need to stay in touch with the people.”

John Bell, who was celebrating his 62nd birthday Saturday, agreed – saying Brady demonstrated a good connection with his constituents.

Herb Ulbrich, of the Rough Riders Motorcycle Club of Montgomery County, presented a check in the amount of $500 to VFW Post 4709 Commander Gary Bridges.

“We wanted to demonstrate our support for veterans,” Ulbrich said. “This seemed like a good day to do it.”

The Veterans Day celebration continues throughout the day and into the evening with a homemade catfish dinner, music, activities and live and silent auctions. Proceeds will benefit a variety of projects sponsored by VFW Post 4709.

For more information about VFW Post 4709, call 936-756-7614.