John B. Breaux: “I rise today to honor the veterans of the U.S. Armed Services and to thank those who continue to serve bravely and…”

“I rise today to honor the veterans of the U.S. Armed Services and to thank those who continue to serve bravely and protect the United States around the world. My home State of Louisiana has made a significant contribution to the war on terrorism. Since September 11, 2001, more than 15,000 Louisiana men and women have fought to protect Americans from those that threaten our safety. Every military installation in Louisiana has contributed to this effort. There are 4,000 men and women from Fort Polk currently serving in Iraq, more than 6,000 members from Barksdale Air Force Base deployed since September 11, and thousands of reservists and Guardsmen continue to be activated and deployed throughout our country and the world. In the coming months, over one hundred more Marine Reservists from Belle Chasse Joint Reserve Base in Louisiana will be called into action in Iraq. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude for their sacrifice. I also want to let the roughly 379,000 veterans living in Louisiana and those around the country know we do not forget your service to our country. We will be eternally grateful for your service to the United States in our past and present wars against communism, fascism, and terrorism. Our Nation stays strong because of your efforts, and the world is a better place for the things you have done.”