Coronavirus

Floor Speech

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Mr. YOUNG. Madam President, in the Marine Corps, we have a motto: Semper Fidelis. It means ``always faithful''--always faithful to our Nation and to the brave patriots who have honorably served it.

Just last week, we recognized a day that is very special to me and I think to all Americans--Veterans Day. On this important occasion, we say thank you to our veterans, to those who have worn the uniform for their courage and for their commitment to protecting our freedoms and preserving our very way of life.

Their service, of course, should be an example to all of us. I try to instill this in my children. It is something I discuss at school groups oftentimes, encouraging people to think about maybe spending some time in military service or finding other ways to serve their fellow Americans.

Our veterans help keep us safe during times of great uncertainty and unease--something all of us, I think, appreciate a little bit more during this trying year.

The month of November also marks Military Family Appreciation Month. Our military families don't always get the credit they deserve, but they bear a very special and unique burden on behalf of our country that, frankly, most of us cannot fully understand. They sacrifice their peace of mind and their well-being on behalf of their neighbors, their communities, and their fellow Americans, people they have never met-- What could be more beautiful than that?--because they believe in this Nation and they believe in this country and the values that undergird it.

Even though we can't begin to repay the sacrifices they make on our behalf, we can honor them, and we can express our gratitude. So this Thanksgiving season, this time for counting our blessings and celebrating how many of them we enjoy even amidst this global pandemic, may we remember all that we are thankful for--every bit of it--and who we are thankful for, as well--yes, our family members, our neighbors, and our close friends, but I personally am thankful for our Active-Duty servicemembers. I am thankful for Indiana's more than 400,000 veterans. I am thankful for their selfless families.

I hope all Americans will join me today, this month, this Thanksgiving, and every day thereafter and reflect on these men and women, the fellow Americans who sacrifice so much on behalf of all of us. Our country simply would not be the same without them; it arguably wouldn't exist without the families who are prepared to sacrifice so much.

So God bless our Active-Duty servicemembers, God bless our veterans, and God bless our military families, and may God continue to bless this great country, the United States of America.

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