Guest Author
From World War II, to Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraq, and Afghanistan and in between, the men and women of our military have proudly served a grateful nation. Mechanics, nurses, cooks, pilots, clerks, doctors, engineers or other positions; in battle, at home, or at an overseas base, each has a special story. Each has made a particular contribution to our country.
As our military fights for our freedom at home and around the globe and as we mourn those who gave their lives in the line of duty, we take time on Nov. 11 to formally honor America’s veterans.
Northeast Florida’s proud military tradition forms a foundation that grows stronger each year that we pay tribute to all our brave defenders of freedom. In the days leading up to Monday’s holiday, Jacksonville’s Week of Valor calendar highlights the accomplishments of our military, past and present. Through all events, we celebrate the selflessness of these men and women, taking pride that they are part of our communities here on the First Coast.
This year, I was honored to help kick off the celebration by speaking at the JAX Chamber annual Military Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday (Nov. 6). And, on Friday (Nov. 8), my annual 4th Congressional District Veterans Special Recognition Ceremony put center-stage the accomplishments of local veterans who served from World War II through Operation Desert Storm.
At the formal ceremony at Naval Station Mayport, we added 33 names to the list of thousands who have received the Special Recognition Certificate. United States Postal Service (USPS) District Manager Charles Miller also joined us at Friday’s ceremony to give special USPS recognition to veterans from across the district who had received a Purple Heart.
More opportunities to honor our military will follow during the Week of Valor: a military appreciation luncheon for city employees, a Veterans 5 K race to benefit the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association, the annual Veterans Parade, school visits by our military service members, a summit to discuss veteran housing needs, a screening of the Vietnam War-based documentary film, and the Jacksonville Jaguars’ annual Military Appreciation Day Game. I encourage you to go towww.coj.net to learn more about the Week of Valor calendar for more details.
Away from my hometown of Jacksonville, the needs of our veterans and active-duty military are central to my work on Capitol Hill. Those who have served our country in the past deserve access to quality health care and the benefits they have earned, and I advocate for their needs in meetings, hearings, and on the floor of the House.
I also stand strong for our current servicemen and women, fighting on their behalf during these tough fiscal times. I will not allow short-sighted budget decisions to turn back a decade’s worth of work of rebuilding our military here in Florida and around the globe. That, you can count on.
