|
Happy Veterans Day
|
No one is more worthy of respect than our veterans. On Veterans Day, we honor those brave, selfless men and women who put on the uniform to serve our nation.
President Woodrow Wilson declared the first Veterans Day, then called “Armistice Day”, in 1919. So many of our countrymen had been sent overseas to fight in the Great War. Europe had been ravaged. Entire countries were decimated. Truly, the world emerged a different place. Yet our homeland remained unscathed. President Wilson recognized the importance of thanking those who had served so valiantly.
Our republic has endured because so many throughout our history have answered that call to service. Many paid the ultimate sacrifice. Families and communities across our great nation have felt the grief of losing a loved one. And many more who served have returned with serious injuries. The costs are high, but our flag remains flying because so many were willing to pay them.
The 36th Congressional District of Texas is home to over 50,000 veterans. So many of us who call Southeast Texas home grew up instilled with a deep love of country and allegiance to the flag. Even today, when our liberties sometime seem under attack, we have so much to be thankful for. We must never lose sight of the blessings of liberty our God has bestowed upon us. We are a blessed people to live in the greatest nation on Earth.
From WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, so many among us have fought for the freedoms we cling to. Their bravery is only matched by their humility. Today is our day to recognize and thank them for the sacrifices they and their families have made. They represent the highest ideals of our great republic, and we must never let them feel unappreciated.
So on this Veterans Day, please take a moment to personally thank someone in your life who has served in the military. And let us remember the men and women who are currently serving to keep our flag flying and our people safe.
May God bless our military and all those who have served.
|
| Recognizing the Greatest Generation |
World War II created one of the greatest generations of men and women as the nation united and sacrificed together in order to defeat tyranny both in Europe and the Pacific. It is such an honor to meet and recognize veterans of the Second World War. A few weeks ago, I acknowledged the military service of 100 year old WWII veteran Bill Antone.
|
God Bless the Texas Rangers
|
The Texas Rangers have been protecting and serving our great state for 195 years! These distinguished law enforcement officers were established in 1823 when Stephen F. Austin, known as the Father of Texas, employed ten men to protect several hundred newly settled families in Texas following the Mexican War of Independence. In just two short years, the Texas Rangers comprised of more than 300 men.
This week, I had a chance to visit with Texas Ranger Joe Haralson (pictured above) from Spurger. He is currently the most senior ranger in the state of Texas! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Veterans Day Programs Across TX-36 |
| Deweyville |
Lanie Brown, Regional Director of Community Relations on my staff, had the pleasure of meeting Iraq War Veteran and Army Ranger Brandon Price while attending Deweyville High School's Veterans Day program where he was the keynote speaker. Brandon was injured in Fallujah in 2008 and was awarded a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars for his heroic actions.
|
| Dayton |
For the past eight years, one of the largest Veterans Day programs in the district has been held in Dayton. This is such an awesome program, and I am glad I was able to send my thoughts and thanks through video!
|
| Mont Belvieu |
Barbers Hill High School hosted this years community-wide veterans program that was facilitated by Old River Baptist Church. Although I could not be in attendance this year, I am glad my staff was able to participate in the program.
|
| Anahuac |
The City of Anahuac held their Veterans Day program at Fort Anahuac Park yesterday. The event was hosted by American Legion Post 104.
|
| Did You Know? |
The Purple Heart medal is often referred to as the military's oldest medal. General George Washington created it in 1782 to recognize meritorious actions, but its importance soon faded. In 1932, General Douglas MacArthur led a movement to revive the award on Washington's 200th birthday, and he later received Purple Heart No. 1.
On August 15, 1944, Major General Robert T. Frederick received his eighth Purple Heart, which is believed to be the most any soldier has been awarded in a single conflict. General Frederick was a U.S. Army officer who fought in WWII and commanded the First Special Service Force, eventually called the Devil's Brigade. He also received two Distinguished Service Crosses, two Distinguished Service Medals, a Silver Star, two Legion of Merit Medals, and two Bronze Stars. |
|
