WHAT VETERANS DAY MEANS TO ME
“We remember and honor the sacrifices, both large and small.” by VAN TAYLOR
The veterans who forged the greatest nation on earth stood country in war. ready to secure our individual rights and liberties no matter the As we commemorate this Veterans Day in the wake cost. With an unwavering faith, our founders created the land of the twentieth anniversary of the horrific terrorist attacks of the free and we have led the fight against tyranny throughout on September 11, 2001, Global War on Terror veterans and history. From battling Spanish Imperialism to liberating their families still do not have a place on the National Mall concentration camps in Nazi Germany, the United States Armed to remember their time of service. Further, a grateful nation Forces confronted and successfully defeated totalitarianism. does not have a national tribute to honor and recognize the At one point in every veteran’s sacrifices of our heroes in the War life, they made the tough decision to on Terror. I’m proud to join my leave behind the comforts of home to colleagues in the bipartisan For fight for a cause bigger than themselves. Country Caucus, which is comprised Whether it is missing the birth of a child, of principled military veterans or a best friend’s wedding, to the small serving in Congress, to push for the things many of us take for granted like Global War on Terrorism Memorial picking your kids up from school or Location Act. This important sitting around the dinner table with your legislation would authorize the family – our veterans knew they would creation of the Global War on Terror never get these moments back and Memorial on the National Mall to chose to serve regardless. honor the millions of Americans Every Veterans Day, we remember who have served in the U.S. Armed and honor the sacrifices, both large and Forces since September 11th. small, made by those who valiantly I look forward to continuing served in our nation’s armed forces and to work in Congress to support their loved ones. I proudly represent our nation’s veterans and hope Captain Van Taylor in Nasiriyah, Texas’ Third Congressional District, you will join me this Veterans Day Iraq, in March of 2003. which is home to an outstanding in thanking those who understand community of veterans who gather service before self is more than every Veterans Day. Whether its just a creed, but a way of life. May breakfast at the Sam Johnson Memorial God bless our troops and their We remember and honor Center or a ceremony in a neighborhood families. RF the sacrifices, both large park, the importance of annual Veteran’s and small, made by those Van Taylor has represented Texas’ Day events cannot be overstated. Many Americans commemorate 3rd district since 2019. Taylor who valiantly served in this revered day by making a pilgrimage our nation’s armed forces served in the U.S. Marine Corps and to one of our nation’s famous war attended The Basic School, Infantry and their loved ones. memorials on the National Mall. In fact, Officer Course, and graduated first the National Mall in Washington, D.C. in his class from Sniper Employment is seen globally as place for Americans Officer Course. He completed to gather and observe our sacred war memorials. It is common Intelligence School as the Marine Honor Graduate and to witness veterans and their families tucking flowers into names commanded First Marine Regiment’s Reconnaissance etched on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, or hear veterans share Platoon in Camp Pendleton, CA. After completing that their stories at the World War II Memorial. These memorials are assignment, he served as an intelligence officer for an much more than just a location showcasing words in stone, they artillery battalion. Taylor later joined the U.S. Marine Corps provide a way for veterans, servicemembers, and their families Reserve, where he was deployed to Iraq where he fought with to reflect and heal from the shared experiences of fighting for our 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company. 16
RIPON FORUM Veterans Day 2021
