Dusty Johnson: “As I travel my state of South Dakota and meet with veterans, I am reminded of the very core of what the Founding Fathers…”

“As I travel my state of South Dakota and meet with veterans, I am reminded of the very core of what the Founding Fathers meant when they talked about America's citizen soldiers who serve as the bulwark of defending our democracy and freedom. The sacrifices of the men and women who served this nation in time of war are a dramatic story that we need to tell to future generations. We need to remind younger generations of the sacrifice of the quiet heroes who have served our nation in the military service. We need to remind them that freedom isn't really free. Throughout our nation's proud history, people have made profound sacrifices to preserve liberty and democracy. I have had the privilege this past year of honoring the South Dakotans who so bravely defended the seeds of democracy in the foreign soil of Korea and remember those who fought and died for democracy. In ceremonies across my state, I have had the honor of presenting the Korean War Service Medals as a long-overdue expression of gratitude from the American public and the South Korean government. It may have taken 50 years for us to properly recognize these veterans for their sacrifices in Korea. But there is no time limit on their patriotism or our country's gratitude. Unfortunately, it has also taken too long for our government to fully honor the commitment made to our veterans for educational benefits and lifetime health care.”