Thank you Mr. President.
I am pleased to join with my colleague and friend from Allegheny County, Sen. Vulakovich, to sponsor this resolution recognizing “Veterans Day at the Capitol.”
The purpose of this day is for veterans and their organizations to spend a day at the Capitol to convey their priorities and let senators on both sides of the aisle know how they feel about key issues.
Pennsylvania is not only the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution — documents that helped define our union and our nation — but it also is the birthplace of our armed forces – the United States Army, Navy and Marine Corps.
Pennsylvania has a proud history of producing the men and women who stand for freedom and in harm’s way. We help steel the backbone of our nation and we have a responsibility to serve those who go on patrol or stand watch.
In Pennsylvania, we have nearly one million veterans, with 700,000 who served in foreign wars.
Given our place in history and the commitment to establish the union and protect it, we have a responsibility to address issues raised by our veterans, their families and the organizations that represent them.
We have an obligation to serve those who served our nation when they return from duty.
We have an obligation to never forget their service and the sacrifices that they made in defending the United States.
We have an obligation to ensure that a veteran who is need is never turned away.
Our veterans and their families deserve to be treated well and to have doors opened to them.
That’s why days like today are so important. Veterans Day at the Capitol reminds all of us in this room and all those listening in that veteran’s services should be a priority. It reminds us that each of us can do more.
Today, let’s thank a veteran for their service. Let’s remember what they have done for each and every one of us and never forget what their service has meant for our nation.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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