Blog Posts

Congresswoman Pingree's 2015 Veterans Day message

As we celebrate Veterans Day this year, it is an honor to express my appreciation for the men and women in Maine and around the country who have served in uniform. 

It gives me great pride to represent a state with such a rich tradition of military service.  With more veterans per capita than nearly every other state, November 11 has special meaning for Maine.  If we have not served ourselves, we have family, friends, and coworkers who have.  Today, we recognize the important roles these veterans have played in protecting this great nation and thank them for their sacrifice.

Whereever, whenever, and however they served, all veterans have made sacrifices.  They spent long periods of time away from home and loved ones.  They gave years of their youth to toil and stress.  They were placed in horrific situations that are difficult for many of us to imagine.  They were prepared to give their lives for their country—and many of them did.  

Others came home from their service with deep wounds of mind and body, some of which may never fully heal.  As a country, we owe it to these veterans to provide them with all the resources they need to recover their strength and move forward with their lives.  I’m deeply grateful to the many organizations and individuals we have in Maine who offer that critical support. 

To all the veterans out there, thank you for your service and sacrifice.  I hope you receive many hugs, pats on the back, and thank you’s today—you have earned it. 

Take care,
Chellie