[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15418]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING OUR VETERANS

  Mr. ENZI. Mr. President, each year on November 11, we come together 
as individuals and as a Nation to express our heartfelt gratitude to 
our veterans for the countless sacrifices they have made over the years 
on our behalf. Thanks to them, our Nation is strong and free, and our 
American way of life that we are so justifiably proud of continues to 
be protected and preserved. Although Veterans Day is over for this 
year, our appreciation for our veterans should never be over.
  Specifically, I wish to honor our selfless men and women in the Armed 
Forces who have served and continue to serve in Operation Enduring 
Freedom. October 7th marked the 11th year the United States has been 
fighting the war in Afghanistan, and that is why the Senate recognized 
October 7th as Operation Enduring Freedom Veterans Day. Much has 
changed in the world and our lives in the last 11 years, but the United 
States remains committed to fighting for freedom in Afghanistan. More 
importantly--our brave military men and women have maintained their 
commitment to us. They fight to protect us, and to protect our 
freedoms. The war in Afghanistan is so physically far away; it can be 
easy to forget and get caught up in our daily lives. I ask every 
American to not forget our brave men and women are still overseas. I 
hope those courageous souls never fade from the hearts and minds of the 
people of the United States. In order to remember and honor the 
veterans' service in Afghanistan, the United States Senate recognized 
October 7th as Operation Enduring Freedom Veterans Day.
  I want to thank Andrew Koenig, a Marine and native of Casper, WY, who 
reached out to my office with this idea of how to remind Americans of 
the war in Afghanistan we continue to fight. I thank him for his 
service and selfless dedication to all veterans and those currently 
serving.
  Think of both October 7th and November 11th as a refresher of what it 
means to be an American. As you do, remember to take the first 
opportunity you have to thank a veteran for what we have received from 
their efforts. No one ever gets tired of being appreciated--especially 
our veterans.
  The work our veterans began years ago continues today as our brave 
servicemen and women serve at outposts here in the United States and 
all over the world. Stationed far from family and friends, they have 
made a commitment to each one of us that they will do everything they 
possibly can to keep us safe and protected from harm.
  Our country is recognized for its freedom and this is due to the men 
and women who serve in our outstanding military. They are patriotic, 
compassionate and courageous and set an example for us all to follow. 
In word and deed our veterans have shown their great love for our 
country. We are very grateful for their service. Thanks to our 
country's veterans, the world is a much better place. God bless you.

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