Joe Donnelly: “I rise today to honor all those men and women whose service and sacrifice preserve and protect the foundation of liberty…”

“I rise today to honor all those men and women whose service and sacrifice preserve and protect the foundation of liberty that has made this Nation great. They come from all walks of life, and yet they are unified by their willingness to risk their very lives in service to America. They are America's veterans. It is often said that we owe a great debt to our veterans, which is true; but that debt can never be fully repaid. What is the value of our freedom and how can the sacrifice of a person's life be measured out and counted? It is altogether fitting and proper that we thank veterans and that we honor them with their own holiday. But such honor and gratitude toward our veterans should be a permanent part of our everyday lives. Mr. Speaker, I cannot speak of every veteran in every war to whom great thanks and honor are owed, but I can speak of those nearest to me and to my home of Indiana.”