November 11th is our opportunity to pause and remember that as Americans, we are
blessed and that our days are more than ordinary. November 11th is not simply
another federal holiday; it is a day of remembrance for those who have served,
for those who have sacrificed their lives for our country, and for those who
continue to make that sacrifice for our nation's freedom. Today is our national
Veterans Day and the 234th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. As we
commemorate both days, we should take a moment to remember those veterans who
have served our great country and are serving us now. And in light of the
events at Fort Hood last week, all our thoughts and prayers are with those
affected.

This year, one of our own local veterans, Evan Morgan, a former Marine, will be
remembered for his brave service and dedication to our country. Four years ago,
while Evan was on his second tour in Iraq, he was struck by an improvised
explosive device (IED) and lost both of his legs. To help soldiers like Evan,
the Homes for our Troops foundation (www.homesforourtroops.org) has taken on the
task of organizing, funding, and providing homes for our wounded warriors. On
Saturday, November 14th, Evan will receive the keys to one of these houses as a
small contribution for the life-altering sacrifice he made in order to protect
our freedom.

While our veterans are recognized and their stories are heard, I feel it's
important they're remembered for future generations. Recently, I had the honor
of hearing from my friend, Jimmy Gentile, who recounted his experiences as a
veteran who served and was injured in Iraq. I also talked with Robert Woodrum
of Tehachapi who served in World War II. He shared the story of his division
overtaking the town of Ohrduf, Germany and liberating the concentration camp
that was there. Both stories were so moving, they were recorded and I sent them
to the Veterans History Project (www.loc.gov/vets/), which collects, preserves,
and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that
future generations may better understand their service and the realities of war.

Today, Americans continue to answer our nation's call at great sacrifice when
our country is engaging on two fronts. Our neighbors we know who serve at China
Lake Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division, Edwards Air Force Base, Camp
San Luis Obispo and Camp Roberts, and our local National Guard units and
Reservists are in our thoughts and prayers. Veterans Day is a day of
remembrance. Presently, we have over 100,000 troops in Iraq, 68,000 in
Afghanistan and thousands more stationed around the world. We should do all we
can to support our men and women with the resources they need to protect our
safety and well-being. So today, on Veterans Day, take a moment and remember
and thank our veterans who served and who are currently serving to protect our
freedom and way of life.