Sen Cruz: This Land Would Not Be Free Without Our Brave Veterans

The selfless service of America’s Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, and their families has secured the blessings of liberty for generations and made our nation a beacon of hope around the world. This Veterans Day, Heidi and I are proud to recognize the incredible bravery and sacrifice of all those who have served, and continue to serve in our Armed Forces to protect our nation, defend our Constitution, and defeat our adversaries. We owe them a debt we can never fully repay.

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, it was remarkable to me the number of active duty, reservists, national guardsmen and veterans I encountered at nearly every storm shelter, volunteer center, distribution line, and devastated home I visited. They have been a crucial force in clean up and recovery efforts all along our coast, from rescue and recovery operations, to rebuilding homes, schools, and churches. Their leadership and service in Texas' time of need is a reminder of the ongoing contributions our service members and veterans make to our communities years after their selfless service to our nation.

It is this same spirit of service and sacrifice that ensures America remains a shining city on a hill, the land of the free and the home of the brave. I hope all Texans join us today in honoring and thanking the 1.6 million veterans who call Texas home.