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This Wednesday, our nation pauses to observe Veterans Day, a day dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Unlike Memorial Day which remembers those who gave their lives in service to our country, Veterans Day recognizes ALL who have worn the uniform. As Americans, we enjoy freedoms that are often taken for granted. The ability to speak our minds, worship as we choose, own property, raise our families in safety, and pursue our dreams; these all exist because generations of veterans stood willing to defend those freedoms.
Military service often comes with tremendous sacrifices, not only for the service members, but for their families as well. Long deployments, missed holidays, and time away from family are burdens most of us will never fully understand. Yet millions of American families have willingly borne those sacrifices in service to something greater than themselves.
This Veterans Day, I encourage everyone to take a moment to thank a veteran. Ask them about their service. Listen to their stories. And remember that the freedoms we enjoy every day were secured and protected by ordinary Americans who answered an extraordinary call.
To all veterans, past, present, and future: thank you for your courage, your sacrifice, and your commitment to our nation. May God bless our veterans, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.
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