Veterans
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More on Veterans
This week, as we do every November 11, America paused to remember the brave men and women who have put their lives on the line to defend liberty and opportunity for their neighbors at home and friends of freedom around the world. The following day, the House of Representatives approved the Senate-passed agreement which will reopen the federal government through the end of January. The bill, which I supported, also completes our work funding several agencies for the full fiscal year, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S.
Washington, D.C. – Today Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE) released the following statement after Senate Democrats refused to support legislation to prevent a lapse in federal appropriations leading to a government shutdown.
This Saturday, Americans will observe the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Army. Our military has evolved much over two and a half centuries through our struggles for independence, to preserve the Union, claim victory in two world wars, defend freedom, and confront terrorism. Ensuring our armed forces can continue to innovate to keep Americans safe, particularly in light of growing threats to global security, is vitally important.
My service in Congress is fundamentally about hearing and addressing the concerns of Third District Nebraskans. In addition to representing your interests as Congress considers legislation, I devote significant effort to ensuring the federal government functions appropriately and fulfills its obligations to you as a taxpayer. While I hear from as many Nebraskans as I can when I am home, my offices in Washington, D.C., Grand Island, Nebraska City, and Scottsbluff provide additional opportunities for you to connect with me and let me know how I can be of assistance.
The remarkable character of the people of the Third District was unmistakable as I traveled around Nebraska during August. From a 102-year-old in McCook, to whom I presented a Congressional Gold Medal as one of World War II’s “Rosie the Riveters,” to the sharp and eager high school student members of my Youth Advisory Council, we are blessed with passionate citizens dedicated to service.
On my recent trip to the beaches of Normandy, I witnessed a striking testimony of patriotism when American veterans of the D-Day invasion made the extraordinary effort to stand resolutely for the presentation of the American flag at a ceremony. Each of these men were around 100 years of age, and for many, standing came with extreme difficulty. Time had taken much of the strength from their legs and backs, but it had not taken the love of their country from their hearts.
This week, I traveled to France with a delegation of my congressional colleagues, led by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), to honor the 80th anniversary of the Allied invasion on D-Day on the battlefields where 150,000 young men from the United States and our allies commenced the largest invasion by sea in the history of the world. We participated in commemorative events alongside veterans of the Second World War and their family members, current U.S. servicemembers, leaders from Allied nations, and local civilians from Normandy.
Veterans Day is an outstanding opportunity to recognize the men and women of our armed forces who have served our country. Through their courage and devotion to their duties, America’s veterans have helped keep the United States the greatest, freest nation on Earth. It is fitting we pause to give them a day of recognition; yet we owe them so much more. History, as well as current events, are constant reminders – we live in the land of the free because of the brave.
As I reflect on the last year and anticipate enjoying time with loved ones during the holidays, I’m filled with both gratitude and resolve.
As Americans, we have been granted an unrivaled heritage of freedom and prosperity which we now must secure for future generations.
Pausing to reflect on the heroic service of the servicemembers in our nation’s history is an important American tradition. Extending recognition for the immeasurable impact our veterans have made through selfless devotion and love for the United States is why we pause each Veterans Day. We can never fully repay those who have put their lives on the line for freedom in America and around the world, but we can work to ensure those who have served and sacrificed have access to the care and benefits they have earned.