In this season of thanksgiving, let us reflect upon and celebrate the service and sacrifice made by those who have served or currently serve our country in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Serving one’s country in the Armed Forces is an honorable way to respond to the privileges and responsibilities of American citizenship. In the last century, many of our own hometown heroes served as brave freedom fighters, defending justice and liberty against the tyranny of Nazism, Imperialism and Communism.
In the 21st century, another cloud of darkness looms large as a different evil empire threatens our way of life. And since the terrorism attacks of 9/11, tens of thousands of sons and daughters, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters have responded to the call of duty.
America’s veterans put their lives on the line to defend freedom, protect national security and secure the safety of loved ones here at home. Like the uniformed men and women in whose footsteps they follow, the members of our Armed Forces continue to make the words "home of the brave and land of the free" ring true.
However, now that the U.S. Armed Forces relies upon an all-volunteer enlistment, fewer families have a direct, personal connection to a branch of the Armed Forces.
That’s why it’s so important to thoughtfully consider the significant contributions made each and every day by our men and women in uniform. As busy families make their way through a hectic workweek and prepare for the even busier holiday season, we need to remember those who are in noble service to their country, putting their own lives on hold and spending each day and the holidays apart from their family and friends.
America is christening a new generation of soldiers. Those on the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq no doubt suffer homesickness for those they left behind. And their military families, hometown communities and employers also feel the strain of their absence.
The eleventh day of the eleventh month is designated as Veterans Day to celebrate as a national community and honor America’s living veterans for their courage, patriotism and sacrifice. Americans across the country in November gathered in celebration to honor hometown veterans by attending local parades, community meals, memorial walks and flag ceremonies. Now that Veterans Day observances have come to an end, let’s not let our appreciation and respect for the 25 million living veterans to fade away until next November 11.
Thanks to the contributions of our veterans, parents from coast to coast rest easier knowing our men and women in uniform are on duty to protect our national security and secure our safety. At the same time, the family members of those serving in the Armed Forces equally deserve our appreciation and respect. Their loved ones serve in harm’s way to keep our children and grandchildren safe from harm.
Iowans can show their support for military families, especially those living in our own communities and neighborhoods whose loved ones have been called to active duty in the National Guard and Reserves. A nationwide program called Operation: Military Kids facilitates local outreach efforts to connect volunteers interested in reaching out to the children whose parents are away from home in the military. Iowans may contact Chris Gleason, the 4-H Program Coordinator in Iowa at the Extension 4-H Youth Building, 13th and Stange, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011, by phone at 515/294-4443 and e-mail at cgleason@iastate.edu for more information.
As a federal policymaker, I’ll continue working in Washington to help make sure our veterans’ healthcare system meets the needs of aging veterans and those returning from the front lines. Iowa veterans currently are served by inpatient hospitals in Des Moines, Iowa City, Knoxville (will serve as an outpatient clinic when Des Moines’ hospital expansion is completed), Sioux Falls and Omaha. VA outpatient clinics are open in Bettendorf, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, Mason City, Sioux City and Waterloo. Additional outpatient clinics are proposed for Carroll, Marshalltown, Cedar Rapids, Ottumwa, Shenandoah and Spirit Lake. I’ve contacted the head of Veterans Affairs to express the support of Iowans for these new clinics and to move forward sooner rather than later.
On Veterans Day and every day, we owe the men and women who serve our country in uniform a debt of gratitude. Thanks to their sacrifices, future generations of Americans will continue to enjoy our way of life and the wonderful bounty of democracy.