Veterans-Day-image

We at Caffeinated Thoughts would like to thank all those who have served or are currently serving in our military.  Thank you so much for your service to our country.  We also would like to take time to honor the sacrifices made by those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.  Their sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Below are some Veterans Day messages & statements:

Sam Clovis:

Today we pause to celebrate the service and sacrifice of those who have chosen to step forth to defend this nation and its ideals.  On countless battlefields in places often far from the comforts of home, our best have stood their ground.  Thousands have given the last full measure for God and Country, so it is with great reverence and humility that I wish to extend my gratitude to all our veterans.

I have had the honor of serving this nation as a member of the United States Air Force for 25 years.  Of course, I was raised in a home where service to nation was a given.  My father fought in two wars.  My brother and I both served in the Air Force.  My son and daughter-in-law are Air Force squadron commanders, leading the greatest of their generation in securing Liberty in the same manner as all those who have gone before.

I would ask that all Americans take a moment to reflect on the heritage of this nation by countless millions who put service above self, duty above comfort and God and country above everything else.  Generation to generation, this nation continues to bring forth citizen-soldiers who quietly go forth to do their duty.  No other nation in history can make this claim.

On this Veterans Day, there will be no politics, no campaigning, no partisanship—just remembrance.  I will particularly remember the service and sacrifice of my father and brother, both courageous men who served this nation with honor, who have long since answered their final roll call.  God Bless the United States of America.

Joni Ernst:

“As a current Lt. Colonel in the Iowa National Guard and wife of a 28 year retired Army Ranger, I have been humbled to know and serve with so many of our finest men and women who have worn this nation’s uniform to defend our shared freedoms and protect our way of life. These brave soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coastguardsmen, and their families, have served as worldwide defenders of freedom, humanitarian heroes, and when required, warriors in defense of America and her citizens. America’s bravest stormed the beaches at Normandy, fought in the battle of Iwo Jima to save the world from one of the most dangerous threats ever faced, stand post at our embassies and installations in challenging locations across the globe, and deploy for yearlong-plus assignments in remote locales in order to quietly and unceremoniously ensure our national interests are protected.

Veterans Day provides us with a holiday, a singular calendar day, to publicly recognize and give thanks to all of our veterans for such sacrifices by way of parades and ceremonies, placement of flags on lawns and parks, and even quiet and personal remembrances of those who made the ultimate sacrifice or remain missing in action in defense of the greatest nation ever known to man. But as we participate in this meaningful and heartfelt pageantry, if our aim is to truly show how grateful we are for their service, this holiday must extend beyond November 11, 2013 – it must serve as a catalyst to give back to our currently estimated 21 million living veterans for each of the remaining 364 days of each and every year that follows.

We have asked a great deal of our men and women in uniform and they have answered the call with dignity, character and courage – many missing births of children, spending 21st birthdays on foot patrols and Christmases out at sea. It is now incumbent upon us as a nation to honor our promises – to take care of them upon their return and in their time of need. In that mission, we have much work to do:

  • Today, the unemployment rate for our younger veterans (ages 18-24) stands at 19.5% as compared to the national average of 7.3%. While a percentage of those veterans may not be actively seeking employment, there are still tens of thousands of young, highly trained and motivated individuals who need a job.
  • Our quality of care for those veterans who are eligible and in need must dramatically improve – especially in the still-lacking area of mental health care:
    • Recent reports show that veterans who are for the first time seeking care for mental health troubles are waiting too long – even beyond the federal government target of fourteen days.
    • It takes an average of one month for veterans to begin seeing a military provided psychiatrist.

As we celebrate Veterans Day this Monday with family and friends, it remains important to publicly show our veterans just how much we appreciate their service. Please do participate in these celebrations any way you are able. However, on Tuesday morning we as a nation must move beyond these heartfelt, yet symbolic gestures, to advance on the hard work that will be required to ensure that those that have served are taken care of here at home. It is a promise I can assure you that I will continue to work toward here in Iowa and as your next United States Senator.

May God bless each and every one of you, our brave veterans, past and present, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.”

Republican National Committee:

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus and RNC Co-Chairman Sharon Day released the following statement on Veterans Day.

“Today we honor all the men and women of our armed forces who have risked their lives to defend our freedom,” said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus. “We pay special tribute to them for their service to our country and for the enormous sacrifices they’ve made to secure America. We owe our veterans our deepest respect and gratitude, and we remain resolute in our commitment to support them.”

“We’re also grateful to the families and loved ones of our servicemen and women,” said RNC Co-Chairman Sharon Day. “They too deserve a nation’s gratitude for the love and support they give and the sacrifices they’ve made. On Veterans Day, and every day, may God bless our veterans and their families.”

Rick Santorum through Patriot Voices shared the following video:

 

Rick Santorum accompanying comments:

On this Veterans Day, Karen and I extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have served. We are thankful every day for your service, sacrifice and your belief that this country is worth fighting for.

I encourage you to watch this moving tribute presented by our friends at INSP, who provide high-quality, family-friendly television programming. This video captures the importance of honoring our veterans and thanking them for their service. They have given so much to fight for us; we can give them the appreciation for their tremendous sacrifice.

Veterans, without you, we would not enjoy the many freedoms we take for granted everyday. Thank you for protecting us and allowing us to continue living in the greatest country on earth.

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