Friends and neighbors, 

Veterans Day serves as a time to honor the brave men and women who showed immeasurable strength and heroism while protecting our Nation. Our service men and women selflessly answer the call of service as they put aside their own safety to preserve our freedom. 

Too often we take for granted the blessings we are afforded as Americans, and Veterans Day is a reminder of just how much we owe to the bravery of our Veterans. And for those of us who have served, Veterans Day has an even more profound significance, as this day awakens vivid memories of our friends, victories, and tragedies.

On Nov. 11, 1918, leaders of the Allied Powers and a German delegation met in France to officially bring an end to World War I. The resulting armistice took effect at the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month of 1918. And since then, November 11 has been observed as a tribute to our Veterans. 

Originally, it was simply called Armistice Day, a time to honor the millions of Americans who served in World War I. President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Congress later saw the need to pay tribute to all Veterans, and therefore, officially changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day in 1954.

We know there are no suitable words to honor our Veterans, but we can pay tribute in many other ways. One such way is to take some time to think about how you can support the Veterans in your community.

Thank you to all the brave men and women who served and sacrificed on behalf of our nation. We are truly the home of the free, because of the brave. May God bless America!

I want to hear from you, my constituents, on issues that are important to you. Please feel free to reach out to my office with any concerns or ideas you may have. As session moves forward, I will keep your thoughts and concerns in mind as legislation comes before me. You can contact my office at sen.bruce.anderson@senate.mn or 651-296-5981.

Sincerely,

Bruce Anderson