Bond thanks veterans for service

WASHINGTON, DC -- In honor of Veterans Day Senator Kit Bond thanked veterans in Missouri and across the country for their service to the nation.

Bond issued the following statement:

"This year's Veterans Day celebration provides another opportunity to convey my sincerest thanks and highest regard for the sacrifices and dutiful service veterans have provided our nation. Veterans' efforts are directly responsible for the umbrella of freedom under which we live. Our veterans have laid the foundation that our troops stand upon today as they continue the fight for freedom and against the scourge of terrorism.

"Recall that President Woodrow Wilson established our day of remembrance for veterans when he issued his Armistice Day proclamation in November, 1919 to recognize the selfless contributions of so many in World War I. The last paragraph of his proclamation set the tone for future observances:

'To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nation.'

"Our nation would not have survived the many onslaughts it has endured through the years without our veterans' faithful service. This Veterans Day, it is my hope that all Americans will embrace the opportunity to say thank you and celebrate the valor, heroism and achievements that help us to recognize our veterans. May God bless our veterans for their service to our great nation and may God continue to bless the United States of America."