Kansas Senior Senator Jerry Moran and Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) delivered message for Veterans day:
Moran: "There is no group of people that I hold in higher regard than our nation's veterans."
Kennedy: "There aren't words in English, at least not for me, to be able to express my gratitude."
Sen. Moran’s Remarks as Prepared:
“As our nation comes together today to recognize Veterans Day, I want to take this time to honor and pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed to protect our freedoms.
“There is no group I hold in higher regard than our nation’s veterans. The challenges they have faced, the courage they have shown, the patriotism they exude, and their selfless sacrifice for our freedoms is something we will never be able to repay.
“Originally called Armistice Day, this day of recognition was created to commemorate the end of World War I – on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
“Years later, in 1953, Alvin J. King of Emporia in my home state of Kansas, proposed changing the name to Veterans Day to recognize and honor America’s veterans from all wars and conflicts.
“In 1954, Kansas’ very own President Eisenhower made the change official – establishing Veterans Day.
“For 107 years, our nation has observed this holiday, first as Armistice Day and now as Veterans Day. Each year, we remember the men and women who have served and earned our lasting gratitude.
“Today, we have a special opportunity to remind the veterans in our lives of how grateful we are for them, and to share our appreciation for all they have sacrificed in uniform and how they continue to serve our nation as veterans.
“My father served in Italy and Africa during World War II. While his military service earned him the honor that is due to all our veterans, the life he modeled for me in the years after the war embodied character and patriotism strengthened by his time in the military.
“I will never forget the first day I visited newly constructed World War II Memorial on the National Mall. Days before the formal dedication, I walked down to see what it looked like – and I thought of my father and the many heroes like him.
“I called him then and shared a message that I have repeated many times over the years, to him and all of our nation’s heroes:
“I want you to know I thank you for your service, I respect you and I love you.”
“As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I have made it my mission to make certain every American veteran receives the care and support embodied by those words.
“Veterans Day is dedicated to honoring those like my father who have given so much in service to our country.
“Today, as we honor those who have worn the uniform, we have a duty as members of Congress to make certain that they are receiving the health care, benefits and services they have earned and deserve.
“Today, the U.S. House of Representatives is voting on landmark legislation that would support tens of millions of veterans and their families, their caregivers and their survivors.
“The Take Care of America’s Veterans Act would allow combat disabled veterans to receive both their earned retirement pay and their VA disability benefits.
“This legislation would also allow veterans in Kansas and across the U.S. – particularly the most vulnerable veterans in need of support for mental health or addiction support – to access life-saving care more easily and closer to home.
“The Take Care of America’s Veterans Act would support veteran caregivers during and after their caregiving journeys, while improving support for aging veterans, veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders, and veterans with serious conditions like ALS.
“And the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act would deliver meaningful benefits to surviving spouses and family members of our nation’s fallen servicemembers and veterans.
“Millions of veterans, caregivers, survivors and families have been waiting on Congress to deliver these reforms for many years. They should not have to wait any longer.
“I can think of no better way of honoring veterans and their families than by passing the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act.
“I appreciate the support of my colleagues in the House of Representatives to advance that bill, and I will not let up on my efforts to secure a vote in the Senate as soon as possible.
“To all of the veterans in Kansas and across the country today: thank you.
“You have earned our nation’s lasting gratitude. Today and every day, we honor you, we respect you and we rededicate ourselves to providing you with the support you need.