Cliff Stearns: “this Friday, Americans will observe Veterans Day, a special day of national observance that we have set aside to…”

“this Friday, Americans will observe Veterans Day, a special day of national observance that we have set aside to remember our veterans and their sacrifices. The 50 million Americans who have served our country since the American Revolution have done more than just protect our national security. They fought for our freedom, and in so doing, our veterans have provided a shining example for the millions of Americans who followed in their footsteps. In my own family, my father served in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific theater. He was in the Iwo Jima campaign and was awarded the Bronze Star. Nearly 2 million veterans live in my home State of Florida. Thousands of my fellow Floridians have served or are on active duty in Afghanistan and Iraq. Some of these soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice and many have suffered grievous wounds. I salute these brave men and women. Madam Speaker, may God bless our veterans, their families, and this great Nation. ____________________”