Joe Pitts: “tomorrow is Veterans Day. On this holiday, it is certainly appropriate that we recognize the sacrifice of our brave…”

“tomorrow is Veterans Day. On this holiday, it is certainly appropriate that we recognize the sacrifice of our brave veterans that have fought to protect our freedom in years past. But Veterans Day also provides a good opportunity to note the progress our military is making today. Today, we are at war. Our troops are fighting in the cause of freedom. Just 3 years ago, Saddam Hussein wielded a brutal totalitarian regime over an oppressed people. Today, Saddam is in jail and Iraqis have adopted a constitution upholding the rule of law. Our effort to train and deploy new Iraqi security forces is also progressing. As of October, over 206,000 Iraqi forces have been trained and equipped. Similar progress has been seen in Afghanistan. Each day we continue the rebuilding of these war-torn countries. As a veteran, I am proud to say our military is not about occupation; it is about freedom, our freedom and freedom around the world. Mr. Speaker, as we take time tomorrow to remember our living veterans, let us also recognize the noteworthy accomplishments of our troops serving today and not forget the words on the Mall--``Freedom Is Not Free.'' ____________________”