Waukesha County Executive: Veterans Deserve Recognition

Editor's Note: This letter to the community came from newsletter.

Dear Friends:

Earlier this month the United States celebrated Veterans’ Day. This year, not only did the holiday fall on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, this year we celebrated this day in the eleventh year of this millennium.

Ninety-two years ago on this month, President Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "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 nations."

These words still ring true today. We honor Veterans’ Day to pay tribute to so many brave and heroic individuals that risked their lives, many making the ultimate sacrifice, to protect freedom and democracy, virtues that we often take for granted. It is their sacrifice that ensures our freedom, their dedication
that keeps us safe, and their courage and love of country that inspires us all.

I encourage each of you to pay tribute to these individuals for what they have
done to secure these important and time-honored American ideals. It is important to recognize what our American soldiers do for us every day. As we celebrate the upcoming holidays, please remember those that are currently serving abroad and unable to celebrate with their families. It is also important to honor all veterans who have put, and continue to put, their lives on the line for our freedom. These brave individuals embody patriotism and the American spirit.