The people's voice of reason

November Monthly Column: Veterans

Our nation's veterans deserve to be celebrated every day. They have bravely put their lives on the line so that Americans can walk freely.

In November we celebrate numerous veteran-related holidays: The Marine Corps' Birthday, National Veteran Small Business Week, and Veterans Day, to name a few. It is on days like these that I am somberly reminded of those who have lost their lives so that I might freely live mine. I often think of the many soldiers, including my dad, who have gone before us and who will go after us to protect the liberties we often take for granted.

Growing up as the son of a decorated World War II veteran, I always admired my dad's lifelong dedication to serving his country. His legacy of selfless sacrifice is what inspired me to run for U.S. Senate. In the Senate, I have the opportunity to serve on both the Senate Veterans Affairs and Armed Services Committees. I feel it is my duty to use my position to improve outcomes for both our nation's veterans and its military. Veterans deserve the best possible care and greater opportunities as they acclimate to life after service. While in office, it is my goal to ensure this is every veteran's experience.

Alabama is home to 400,000 veterans. These patriots are all around you – in your neighborhood, church, workplace, or gym. Whether it's through their small businesses, community service, or work to inspire youth of today to become the soldiers of tomorrow, we are lucky these heroes have chosen to call the Yellowhammer State home.

I have had the honor of traveling around Alabama to meet veterans from every corner of our state and to hear stories of their valor. Without fail, each veteran I talk to is passionate about patriotism, community service, and taking care of those who are less fortunate. So many choose to spend their time after the military supporting their neighbors who need it most. That's why I decided to start a Veteran of the Month program where my office honors a different Alabama veteran every month. I have been so inspired by these men and women who truly dedicate their lives to giving back.

But the road for our great veterans isn't always easy. Veterans often shoulder mental, emotional, and physical wounds that few of us will ever understand. Everything we have in this country is because of our military. Our economy, our security, and our way of life are all dependent on a lethal fighting force willing to go to bat for this country. They have chosen to lay their lives on the line for each of us – and the least we can do is take care of them. They should be treated with the utmost dignity and respect.

President Ronald Reagan said it best, "Veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom, for they have suffered the scars of war. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us." I hope my fellow Alabamians take time during the remainder of this month to thank those in their lives who have valiantly served this country.

To all our veterans: thank you for your sacrifice and may God bless you.

Opinions expressed in the Alabama Gazette are the opinions and viewpoints of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Alabama Gazette staff, advertisers, and/ publishers.

 

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