On Nov. 11, Americans living at home and abroad will celebrate Veterans Day, a day our nation sets aside each year to recognize and thank all those who have answered the patriotic call to serve in the United States Armed Forces.
It was on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 when the armistice ending the aggressions of World War I took effect. Just 101 years later, we pause to reflect and remember all of those who went into harm’s way, be it during the War to End All Wars or any of the conflicts that have happened since.
According to the Missouri Veterans Commission, more than 400,000 veterans currently live in the Show-Me State. Thousands of those veterans are living right here in the 12th Senatorial District, some of them at Cameron Veterans Home. This Veterans Day, and every day, I encourage you to show your support for Missouri’s veterans and military families by donating to a veterans organization, volunteering at a veterans home or hospital or simply taking the time to stop and thank a veteran for their service and sacrifice.
Also, many restaurants and retailers offer discounts and free items for veterans on Nov. 11. Most places require a military ID or proof of service, and offers vary by location.
As always, please feel free to call, email or write with your ideas or concerns. My Capitol office number is (573) 751-1415, my email is dan.hegeman@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 332, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.