Tommy Tuberville: “in 1945, a World War II veteran named Raymond Weeks from Birmingham, AL, recognized the need for a day to honor all…”

“in 1945, a World War II veteran named Raymond Weeks from Birmingham, AL, recognized the need for a day to honor all veterans. He led the petition to then-Army Chief of Staff Dwight Eisenhower for a national veterans day and organized the first veterans day parade in Birmingham on November 11, 1947. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill officially establishing ``Veterans Day.'' President Eisenhower said, ``Let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom.'' It is fitting that the ``Father of Veterans Day'' was an Alabamian, symbolizing a longstanding tradition among our residents to recognize and show appreciation for our veterans and servicemembers. Every year, we continue this tradition of pausing to recognize our veterans--past and present. Veterans Day reminds us that freedom is a sacred gift, and it is not free. Some endured unthinkable battles and hardships so that we can live in peace. Most have relinquished their autonomy, moving themselves and their families across the country and around the world, with little to no notice, spending holidays and major life events separated from loved ones. And all joined willing to lay down life and limb for their country. Alabama is home to more than 400,000 of these heroes, and today, I will be recognizing seven of them for their sacrifices to make our country safer.…”