RED OAK, Iowa—Today, on Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a combat veteran who served in the armed forces for over 23 years, recognized the selfless sacrifice of the Iowans and Americans who have fought for the United States in uniform. In a video dedicated to veterans, Ernst underscored her pledge to never forget the servicemembers who fought in Afghanistan for the last 20 years, highlighting her bipartisan effort to create a Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall in honor of all those who served in America’s longest war.
Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Ernst’s Veterans Day video.
Senator Ernst’s full remarks are below:
“For generations, the fabric of America and the freedoms we cherish in this great country have been protected valiantly by selfless heroes who’ve fought for our nation in uniform.
“Veterans Day is just one of 365 opportunities we have every year to wake up and honor those who’ve answered the call to serve this nation.
“It’s also a chance for us to say thank you to the families and loved ones of the men and women who’ve sacrificed life and limb in the name of their country. They too are our nation’s heroes.
“This year, Veterans Day takes on a new meaning following the end of the U.S. mission in Afghanistan.
“We must never turn the page on the valiant Americans who’ve served our nation in Afghanistan during the Global War on Terrorism.
“For 20 years, these servicemembers sacrificed the comfort of civilian life to protect our homeland and safeguard the freedoms and liberties we continue to enjoy today. These brave men and women are heroes—every single one of them.
“That’s why I’m leading a bipartisan effort to build a memorial on our National Mall in honor of all those who fought and died in the Global War on Terrorism—our nation’s longest war.
“As a combat veteran who served over 23 years in our nation’s uniform, I am forever grateful for all those who’ve fought to keep America the greatest country on the face of the planet.
“Today and every day, let’s continue to honor our troops for all they’ve given to this country. The selfless sacrifice of so many Americans, and their families, have kept us safe and made us better.
“May God bless the men and women who served—and continue to serve—the United States of America.”
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