Today, I want to bring attention to all of the selfless veterans that have served our country, especially those from my home state of Iowa.
Each and every veteran has put a piece of themselves towards the mission of protecting our nation that we’re blessed to live in.
So, it is tremendously important to commemorate and thank these veterans.
I want to give you one example of how that is done: the Honor Flights that take place at the World War II Memorial.
The veterans that travel from across the country to here in Washington D.C. represent big cities, small towns and rural areas, but what they all embody is deep courage, sacrifice and humility.
Honor Flights are just one small reflection of the gratitude that we have for these brave souls.
I hope that for visitors to our nation’s capital who have the privilege to witness an Honor Flight, it may inspire deeper gratitude to all the veterans.
This is what I’ve found when occasionally I get an opportunity to go to the World War II Memorial to meet the veterans that are flown in from Iowa.
And many times I had the occasion, when he was still alive, [to attend with] former Senator Bob Dole, of Kansas.
Even in his weak condition, being in the wheelchair there to meet those same veterans, from all over the country, not just from Iowa.
It is a priority for me to share their legacy with every new generation of Americans to foster a deeper appreciation for our Republic.
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