As a child, I remember starting each school day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Even now, as a state representative, we begin each day of session by saying those same 31 words. Although I have recited the pledge for so many years, I still get chills every time I stand up on the House floor, place my right hand over my heart and repeat those familiar words. While some schools have moved away from saying the pledge, it gives me great pride knowing that many of our local schools continue to honor this tradition. In fact, on Nov. 7, I had the honor of being one of 60 speakers at Greensburg Community High School called together to commemorate the 60 years that passed since President Dwight D. Eisenhower added the words “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance. Together, we instilled a newfound appreciation for those sacred words; words given timeless meaning by the men and women who have defended our country and fought to protect our freedoms. This year marks the 95th commemoration of Veterans Day, a day that is set aside each year to honor these selfless individuals. The first celebration occurred shortly after World War I, at a time when the world thought the “war to end all wars” was over. Looking back, we now know that was not the case. Over the past 95 years, our veterans have answered the call to defend our nation’s borders countless times. These brave men and women have selflessly served, some even paying the ultimate price, to defend a set of ideals; freedom, democracy and opportunity, and to ensure America remains free from tyranny. Our service members believed that those ideals were worth fighting for and that surrender was not an option. Because of their sacrifice, we live in the freest nation in the world, which we sometimes take for granted. We are able to elect our leaders, and we have a say in our nation’s future. Around the world, there are still countries where people do not have this right, and the fact that we do, can be directly attributed to our veterans. In that case, it is a fitting coincidence that we are celebrating Veterans Day exactly one week after Election Day this year. This Nov. 11, I will be taking a break from my personal and legislative matters to speak at a service being held at the Dearborn County Courthouse. I look forward to honoring the memory and recognizing all of the brave men and women who have worn the uniform and deserve our gratitude. If you can, I encourage you to attend the Dearborn County Veterans Day service or other parades and memorial services that our community has to offer. Although Veterans Day is just once a year, our gratitude should be year-round. I challenge you to go out of your way this year to show your appreciation to our veterans, and whether that means sending a Christmas card to those still fighting overseas, or simply saying “thank you,” no act of appreciation is too big or too small when it comes to America’s heroes. -30- |
