This next week is Veteran's Day, and many of us either have a friend, neighbor or family member that has answered the call to serve our Nation. I'm fortunate to interact daily with veterans in my district, including those who serve on my staff, those on my Veterans Advisory Council, and those I meet in my role as a member of the House Armed Services Committee. These are men and women who firmly believe in what makes this Nation the greatest on earth, and their dedication even after leaving uniformed service is unparalleled.
This Saturday I'll be joining members of the Essex County community to dedicate a monument to honor over 1,000 native born residents of Essex County who served our Nation in battle. From the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, World Wars I and II, and the wars in Korea and Vietnam these citizens have fanned across the 13 colonies and the globe in defense of freedom and liberty. Its fitting that as they spread across the globe in our defense, the elements for this monument came from many corners of our Nation: it is comprised of black granite from Pennsylvania, it was sculpted in Vermont, and topped off by a bronze eagle cast in California.
Today our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coastguardsmen from across the nation and many from abroad who wish to become citizens, are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and are deployed elsewhere around the globe. I've had the opportunity to visit our service men and women during two trips to the Middle East and plan to visit with and thank them again this coming holiday season.
As they are overseas defending our freedom, it's incumbent upon us at home and in Washington to continue to provide them the vital support they need both while serving and once they've reentered civilian life. I remain committed to ensuring Tricare for Life remains as such, I have sponsored or cosponsored over 50 pieces of legislation to aid our veterans, and I will continue to be an advocate for our military members and installations throughout the First District and Nation. I invite you to join me on November 11th and say "thank you" to our veterans who have rightfully earned our gratitude.
Additionally, on November 10th at 7:00 pm I will be hosting a veteran's town hall meeting. You and your family are welcome to attend at VFW Post #3103 - 26701 Princess Anne Street in Fredericksburg.
Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He was elected to his first full term in November 2008 and serves on the Natural Resources Committee and the Armed Services Committee where he is the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.
