Veterans Day

Floor Speech

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Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I rise today to take advantage of a unique opportunity to recognize and thank those who hold the distinguished title of ``veteran.'' It is because of their service, their commitment, and their sacrifice, that our country is what it is today, a great nation which stands for freedom and which shines as a beacon of hope and opportunity to the rest of the world.

Ninety-one years ago today, on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918, the hostilities of World War I between the Allied nations and Germany, ceased. While the commemoration of this day was originally known as Armistice Day, later being renamed as ``Veterans Day,'' the purpose and intent has never changed. President Woodrow Wilson, in 1919, expressed his thoughts of this day, and they ring as true today as they did nine decades ago:

To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.

In Alaska we have the distinct pleasure and honor of having the largest per capita percentage of veterans of any State in the Union. We call them our neighbors, our coworkers, and our friends. Our communities benefit from the experience and expertise which they have brought home with them from their time in the service of our Nation. Today, while they may wear different clothing in place of a uniform, their service continues as they provide leadership and skill within the State of Alaska.

As we reflect on the service of heroes who have served our country in conflicts past such as World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf war and others, we would be remiss if didn't also pause to honor the dedication of the men and women who are putting their lives on the line today to protect our freedom. This includes not only those serving in Southwest Asia but also those still in Kosovo, those still standing watch of the Korean demilitarized zone, and those serving and sacrificing in countless other countries and regions around the world.

Today, we also mourn. We mourn those veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom. This year, Alaska lost several members of our military community in the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts. I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the families of our fallen service members.

Finally, I would like to recognize a group who often isn't honored enough: the families and loved ones of America's veterans. These are the folks who have had to see their loved ones sent away to war zones and who worried about their well being every second, of every minute, of every day until they returned. These are the folks who have had to singlehandedly manage the household and deal with the car, the washing machine, or the heater invariably breaking the second that their spouse departed. These are the folks who firsthand deal with the invisible scars and injuries of war, such as PTSD, when their loved one comes home. The family members of our veterans are heroes who bravely serve our Nation and rightfully deserve our recognition.

I am honored to have the opportunity to stand among my colleagues here on the Senate floor and proudly state that while we know that words cannot express the gratitude that a grateful nation has for its veterans, with a common voice we want to say thank you.

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