Political Quotes

“Saturday, November 11, is the anniversary of the end of World War I. Today we know it as Veterans Day. On Veterans Day, we honor everyone who has worn the uniform of the United States of America. Alabama is proud that the Veterans Day tradition started in Birmingham, AL, in the aftermath of World War II. A local veteran named Raymond Weeks recognized the need for a day honoring all of our veterans. In 1947, Raymond Weeks petitioned the Army Chief of Staff, a general named Dwight D. Eisenhower, for a national Veterans Day. Seven years later, General Eisenhower was President and signed it into law. Alabama is proud of Raymond Weeks. We are proud to be home to nearly 400,000 veterans. And every Veterans Day, I am proud to come to this floor to tell my colleagues about a few of our veterans in Alabama. The first I will mention today is Ron Skoneki from Montgomery, AL. He is the son of a Polish immigrant. He enlisted in the Air Force about as soon as he could right after graduating from high school. He served in Thailand during the Vietnam war. He helped repair and maintain aircraft for a strong defense. After 33 years of service, Lieutenant Colonel Skoneki retired. But he wanted to continue to serve, so he joined Alabama's wing of the Civil Air Patrol in Montgomery. He then served another 16 years helping to support the U.S. Air Force in a civilian capacity. Now at 87 years old, he is just as proud of his time wearing this uniform as he has ever been.…”