As my staff and I participate in Veterans Day ceremonies across the state today, we pause, reflect, and honor those who have served, and are currently serving, in our nation’s armed forces.
More than a century ago, on November 11, 1918, World War I officially came to an end. Since then, November 11th became a day to celebrate those who have answered the call to serve and put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms we hold dear.
Today, we thank all those who have served around the world. From Europe to East Asia and the Middle East, and even those serving here on U.S. soil, we thank you for all you do to keep our country safe.
On this Veterans Day, we must also remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, like Wyoming’s own Rylee McCollum, whose memory lives on and is an eternal reminder that the freedoms we enjoy do come at a price. Our prayers go out to the families and loved ones of fallen service members who never made it home.
As parts of the world continue to be tinderboxes waiting to explode, American soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines continue to be the steady force that protect the world, which is why it is important that we take this time to remember the brave men and women of our armed forces and pray for their safe return home when they are called into action.