Victory In Iraq Caucus Salutes America’s Veterans

Today, members of the Victory In Iraq Caucus expressed their strong appreciation for our nation's Veterans and encouraged all Americans to recognize Veterans in their communities on Friday, November 11, 2005: "As the son of a World War II Veteran, a 31-year Veteran of the Army National Guard and a father of three sons serving in the military, Veterans Day is particularly meaningful to my family. America exists today only because of the courage of the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States military. Generations of American soldiers have turned impossible challenges into incredible victories, and they have earned our highest respect. I would like to encourage all citizens to take time on Friday to personally express their sincere appreciation to Veterans who have selflessly served our country and protected the American way of life." Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02)Victory In Iraq Caucus Co-Chair"As thousands of our brave troops continue the fight for peace and democracy abroad, we as Americans are reminded of the generations of servicemen and women who came before them. These courageous individuals put their lives on the line to protect the liberties that you and I hold dear, and they deserve our utmost praise for their sacrifice. I look forward to joining all Americans in celebrating this national day of reverence, and praying for the safety of our troops carrying on the fight for freedom." Congressman Mark Green (WI-08)Victory In Iraq Caucus Co-Chair"We must take the time to pay tribute to our fallen heroes, not just on Veterans Day, but everyday. Their sacrifices and those of our military families are freedom's foundation. Without the brave efforts of all the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and their families, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so brightly and live so freely."Congressman Sam Johnson (TX-03) "Congress is committed to taking care of our Veterans. America has a responsibility to them because of the tremendous sacrifice they have made on behalf of each of us. It is because of the unselfish actions of a few that we can enjoy our way of life today."Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04)"I represent a high concentration of Veterans who have settled in South Jersey near Fort Dix, McGuire AFB and Lakehurst Navy base. They have made great contributions that have changed the world and made it a better place for freedom and democracy. During times of peace and war, Veterans Day is the day for all Americans to remember the sacrifices of those who wore the uniform in the past, and those who wear it today."Congressman Jim Saxton (NJ-03)"Veterans Day is a day on which we pause and reflect on a group of people who truly embody the characteristics of duty, honor and patriotism. It is a day on which we struggle for the right words to express how we feel about the price that so many have paid, but the words are often not enough to express our deepest gratitude. It is a day when sometimes our presence, our silence and our reverence say far more than our words ever could." Congressman Randy Forbes (VA-04)"Throughout our nation's history, we have been blessed with soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who have answered the call of duty regardless of the hardships they have had to endure or the personal sacrifices they have had to make. These courageous men and women put their lives on the line to protect and defend our great nation because they recognize a fundamental truth: freedom does not come free. On Veterans Day, I encourage every American to take pause and honor the heroic individuals that have proudly worn the uniform of the United States military and have earned the title of veteran. These 25 million Americans have earned the respect of a grateful nation, and I personally thank them for their service." Congressman Mike Conaway (TX-11)"We observe Veterans Day for the very same reasons President Wilson created Armistice day – for Americans to be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of the ultimate sacrifice that so many have made in the service of our country, and for their propagation of freedom." Congressman Michael McCaul (TX-10)"As we observe Veterans Day, I want to thank American Veterans for their selfless service. From Omaha Beach and the Pacific seas, to the jungles of Vietnam and the sands of the Middle East, we live every day with the gift of liberty because of their courage. These brave men and women fought to protect our nation, to liberate the oppressed, and to hold fast to the idea that liberty is a universal right, worth fighting and, yes, sometimes dying for. We owe them our deepest gratitude." Congressman Phil Gingrey (GA-11)"Our nation's Veterans have provided the backbone of liberty for our nation for over the last 200 years, and the freedoms we enjoy today are a direct result of their efforts. Our gratitude for their sacrifices is immeasurable and must never be forgotten," Congressman Sherwood Boehlert(NY-24)"This Veterans Day, I encourage us all to thank a veteran. I also encourage each of us to think of a family whose child or spouse is serving overseas, and offer a kind word, a prayer, a note of encouragement, or meet a need they have. All of our Veterans are soldiers for freedom and light in the darkest corners of the world. As we remember our Veterans, let us hope in God who promised in Luke 1:79 ‘to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." Congressman Jim Ryun (KS-02)"Nearly 142 years ago, President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address consecrating the hallowed ground on which was fought a battle for our nation. Today, we are engaged in another, different kind of battle for our nation – one that must be won and one which we are winning. The global War on Terror is one that we hope never to fight on our soil, and it is the sacrifice and commitment of our troops that keeps the fight from our neighborhoods. Throughout the history of our nation, Veterans have played the key role in defending us and keeping us safe. Our Veterans have earned the admiration and respect of every American. We honor these men and women who have given so much so that we may continue to live in freedom and prosperity." Congressman Geoff Davis (KY-04)"Veterans Day give us the opportunity to pay our respects to those who fought to preserve our freedom and peace. Without our Veterans' commitment and sacrifice, we would not have the freedom to celebrate with barbeques, parades and festivals." Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05)"For our military men and women serving in the Middle East and around the world, this Veterans Day particularly resonates. Like generations of American troops before them, they are upholding freedom and serving with courage. By denying the terrorists safe havens, they are making our nation more secure and preserving the legacy of liberty that was handed down to us. They and their families deserve our gratitude and support not only on Veterans Day, but throughout the year." Congressman Paul Ryan (WI-01) "Today, American soldiers are fighting for our way of life, doing amazing things to make America more secure. Like the men and women we honor on Veterans Day for their service to defend freedom at home and abroad, our brave military men and women fighting the War on Terror have achieved remarkable changes. In less than three years they have built a foundation for: 10 million Iraqis to vote for a democratic constitution; Afghanis to elect a parliament with one-quarter of its seats held by women; Syria to withdraw its military from Lebanon; Libya to voluntarily dismantle its nuclear weapons program; Israel to withdraw from the Gaza Strip; Palestinians to elect new, moderate leadership interested in peace; Egypt to allow an opposition party to run for President for the first time in 25 years; municipal elections in Saudi Arabia; and Pakistanis voting for a moderate government. The number of areas in which terrorists can freely operate around the world is shrinking and, as our Veterans understand, you stay the course when the noose is tightening as it is today on al Qaeda."Congressman Mike Rogers (MI-08)"In times of crisis America has always been able to count on the men and women of the United States Armed Forces to fight for our freedom. We can't thank our Veterans enough for their sacrifice. Today we're once again engaged in a great struggle that will in no uncertain terms decide what kind of world our children inherit, and it's clearer than ever that our military is the greatest force for freedom this world has ever known. America's Veterans and those serving today are our patriots and protectors, and we ask God's blessings for them." Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (TN-07)"Veterans Day always has a special meaning in our family as my husband, Dexter, is a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War and my step-son Dougie and his fiancée Lindsay are currently serving in Iraq against the fanatical extremists that seek to divide and terrorize that country. Not a day goes by without my family praying for our loved ones in Iraq and for the other brave men and women in uniform that are determined to take the battle to the fanatics in their own backyards. This Veterans Day we must all be grateful for those who have decided to risk everything for liberty and freedom." Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-18)"History shows that American military Veterans, just like Veterans of the War on Terror, have played a leading role in stamping out tyranny and expanding freedom around the globe. It is this sacrifice in service to the cause of liberty that free Americans from coast to coast pause to recognize on Veterans Day."Congressman Joe Pitts (PA-16) "Our courageous men and women serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and throughout the world are also in our thoughts and prayers on this day set aside to remember their comrades in arms who have served in support of our freedom for more than 200 years. We remain committed to our nation's fighting force and our Veterans, and will continue to provide the support they so richly deserve." Congressman Henry Brown (SC-01)"This special day provides us with the opportunity to honor the sacrifice and dedication of those Americans who served their country in the armed forces. Today, our forces face peril in their ongoing missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and I pray for their success and safe return." Congressman Cliff Stearns (FL-06)"As a proud Veteran of the United States Army and U.S. Army Reserve, I personally understand and admire the selfless dedication and valiant sacrifice our men and women in uniform display in order to serve our great Nation. America has always been a Nation devoted to the cause of liberty, both at home and abroad; and through our Veterans' bravery and sacrifice, our Nation has advanced the call of freedom and democracy around the globe, be it in Iraq or Afghanistan, and has allowed us here, in the United States, to live in peace and tranquility. On Veterans Day, America remembers our troops' devotion to the cause of liberty, and their active and courageous contribution to our country's greatness."Congressman Dan Burton (IN-05)"Our Veterans deserve our thanks and appreciation everyday. They have fought courageously to liberate continents, spread democracy and defend us from our enemies. As we take a moment to thank our Veterans, let us also remember those who are bravely defending our nation and the ideals of freedom and democracy throughout the world today."Congressman Gresham Barrett (SC-03)###The Victory in Iraq Caucus is comprised of 118 members of Congress and serves to honor the men and women of the US Armed Forces and promote their success in the War on Terror. Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Congressman Mark Green (R-WI) are Co-Chairs of the Caucus.For more information, please email victoryiniraqcaucus@mail.house.gov