OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Veterans Day

Floor Speech

Date: Nov. 7, 2019
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Veterans

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Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, on this Veterans Day 2019, I wish to pay tribute to all veterans and thank them for their service. The freedoms we enjoy in America today are because of them.

For more than 200 years, our veterans have fought across the globe defending our freedoms, while their families waited and worried at home. Thanks to them, the forces of tyranny and oppression have been turned back and defeated time and again.

As Americans across the Nation come together on Veterans Day, I will be participating in a program in Fargo, one of many being held in communities across North Dakota. Next Wednesday in Williston, several military organizations and Williston State College will sponsor a presentation by Medal of Honor recipient SSG Clinton Romesha.

As one of only 3,507 recipients in American history to receive this honor, Staff Sergeant Romesha was the fourth living Medal of Honor recipient for the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. It was presented in 2013 for his heroism during the Battle of Kamdesh in October 2009, a 12-hour battle that was significant in the Global War on Terrorism.

During this intense attack by some 300 Taliban fighters, despite his own shrapnel wounds, Romesha continued to fight. His actions helped mount a successful counterattack that eliminated Taliban machine guns and allowed for wounded soldiers to be taken to an aid station.

In his bestselling memoir, ``Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor,'' published in 2013, Romesha shares the account of the Battle of Kamdesh and how one person can make a difference against seemingly impossible odds.

Now a resident of Minot, ND, he travels extensively as a motivational speaker, sharing the message about how the capacity for leadership and bravery resides within everyone.

I commend Williston State College and its Foundation, the Williston Basin Chapter of the American Petroleum Institute, Williston Post 37 of the American Legion, Military Affairs Committee, VFW-Post 12169, and Williston Chapter 9 of the Disabled American Veterans for bringing this inspirational message by a true hero to their community.

Mr. President, on this Veterans Day, may we be reminded to be thankful every day for all who serve our country. May God bless all veterans and their families. They are all heroes.

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