Honoring Those Who Have Given So Much

Statement

Veterans Day.

It is such an important day each year to stop and reflect. It is a day that means so much to those who have sacrificed for our country, and those who enjoy the freedoms of those sacrifices.

This Veterans Day, as I visited the Liberty Memorial, Truman Library, and the Vietnam Wall in Kansas City, I hoped to express not only my appreciation, but our duty, to keep our commitments to those who have served our country.

Every generation and every sector of our great nation is represented by veterans. They come from different economic backgrounds, religious affiliations, and races, but they share an unwavering love of country.

It was also a time to utter a special word of remembrance for Congressman Ike Skelton. We continue to mourn the loss of one of our last Statesman. Ike was an honorable Congressman, respected by family, colleagues, friends, veterans, and even those who had never met him. He loved serving the men and women of the military, and was, indeed, a warrior's advocate.

At the Liberty Memorial, we have lost our World War I Centennial Commission Chair. In our communities, our state, and our country, we have lost so much more.

It is now, and will always be, our responsibility to honor -- and to serve -- those in uniform, and that commitment extends to their families as well. We must support them during all phases of their service, including their return home. This includes expanding the level of assistance for the wounded and making sure they are taken care of physically, mentally, and emotionally, as they work to transition from military service to civilian life.

Source