November 09, 2018
Friday PM

This year marks the 100th year since the end of World War I. The guns fell silent on the Western Front in Europe, and the armistice with Germany had come into effect. Over nine million soldiers were killed in World War I, and an additional twenty-one million were wounded. After more than four years of warfare marked the highest casualty counts in modern warfare, the fighting stopped.

Armistice Day later became known as Veteran’s Day, when Americans take time to reflect on the myriad of sacrifices made by our soldiers. As we celebrate the long weekend, let us remember what we are observing: Veteran’s Day. It is a time for Americans to remember the sacrifices made by those who have served our great country in the United States Armed Forces.

From the first days of America’s humble beginnings when minutemen surprised British Redcoats at Lexington and Concord, to the countless battlefields of the Civil War, to the beaches of Normandy in World War II, up to today, where brave men and women serve our country around the world, the American soldier has been the biggest defender of our freedoms outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

About 1 in 10 Alaskans are veterans. These Alaskans have fought for freedoms that all of us enjoy. Thank these veterans, who live all around you, and take time to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. We are grateful for each generation of U.S. Veterans. To make a donation to the Alaska Veteran’s Healthcare System, please call the Alaska VA Voluntary Service at 907-257-4839.

Rep. Dan Ortiz
Ketchikan, Alaska

Editor's Note:

The text of this letter was NOT edited by the SitNews Editor.

Received November 09, 2018 - Published November 09, 2018

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