[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 185 (Wednesday, November 8, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5423]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              VETERANS DAY

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, on this Veterans Day, I want to express my 
profound admiration for the unwavering service and sacrifices of our 
veterans. Their commitment to our Nation, its people, and the values we 
hold dear transcends generations. Democracy requires constant 
vigilance, and it is facing tough challenges at home and abroad. 
Despots and authoritarians worldwide would like nothing more than to 
see us retreat from defending freedom. But in the face of adversity, 
the United States stands resilient thanks to the courageous men and 
women who have worn the uniform.
  From the American Revolution, where the Maryland Line fought bravely 
under General George Washington, to the defense of Fort McHenry in 
Baltimore that inspired the Star-Spangled Banner during the War of 
1812, to today, where Maryland is home to almost 400,000 veterans, our 
State has a proud history of fighting for freedom.
  Our veterans are among the best our country has produced. Each one 
answered the call to serve their country, leaving friends and family to 
go in harm's way. In today's divisive world, I especially want to thank 
our veterans for coming together from all walks of life to serve a 
purpose greater than themselves. Our veterans come from all over the 
country, from all backgrounds, races, and religions. Time and time 
again, veterans put their country before themselves and make sacrifices 
that most Americans do not even realize. They miss birthdays, 
anniversaries, births, funerals, and countless other life events so 
they can stand guard on the frontlines of our Nation's defense. Most 
servicemembers volunteer to join the military not long after graduating 
high school or college. Some serve a few years, and others make the 
military a career. All of them have earned the title of veteran.
  In Maryland, prominent military installations stretch across the 
State from Aberdeen Proving Ground in the north to Patuxent River in 
the south. Marylanders have always answered the call when our liberties 
have been attacked. During World War II, Maryland produced over 5,000 
B-26 Marauder aircrafts that bombed Nazi fortifications in advance of 
Allied landings on D-Day. Baltimore's shipyards built 384 Liberty cargo 
ships during the war to transport troops and supplies to Europe. 
Marylanders have stood shoulder to shoulder, unphased in the face of 
monumental challenges.
  Marylanders from across the State continue to volunteer to serve our 
country, both overseas and at home with our Active-Duty military 
components, Reserves, and National Guard units. Our veterans' 
dedication to country and democracy is felt around the world. 
Unfortunately, many of our veterans know all too well the cost of war. 
Our brave men and women continue to serve their communities even after 
their time in uniform is over.
  Our veterans are humble patriots, and while I know they appreciate 
the public thanking them for their service, I want to encourage each 
Marylander to go a step further this Veterans Day: shop at a veteran-
owned business, donate to a veteran's charity, hire a veteran for your 
company, or call a veteran and ask them to share stories about their 
time in the service. Our veterans are among the most highly trained, 
educated, and responsible citizens, and their skills make them 
incredibly valued members of their communities and their companies. On 
this Veterans Day--and every day of the year--put your thoughts into 
action and show our veterans how much we truly appreciate their 
service.

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