Congressman Darrell Issa A True American Hero In His Own Right

November 11 is set aside as a time for Americans to honor the men and women of our armed forces who have answered our country's call to serve, and to commemorate with solemn pride the heroism of those whose service required the ultimate sacrifice. We will not forget that our lives and our liberty are maintained, even in this moment, by their collective ranks. 

America's men and women in uniform have an uncommon understanding of what liberty costs. They serve in our Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps because they believe in what America stands for - the ideals of freedom, equality, and opportunity. And they know that securing those ideals for their families, for their children, and for generations to come requires sacrifices in the present. It is a sign of blessing that America is home to a caliber of people willing to accept those stakes. 

Throughout the world and since our founding, the promise of freedom has beckoned men and women to give of themselves and be part of the American story. Nowhere was this patriotism more evident than in San Diego this week when a group of active duty military servicemembers, many of whom have served multiple combat tours overseas, were sworn in as citizens of the United States aboard the U.S.S. Midway. I was there. And as I congratulated these veterans on their achievement, I was struck by the fact that when these men and women took their oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, they did so with the hope that one day the liberty it guarantees would be theirs. We must never forget the significance of their unique sacrifice for our nation.

 

Too many take for granted what America's veterans and their families have intrepidly labored to uphold. And on this day, especially, we share the duty of setting that right. 

To those men and women who have served in uniform themselves, thank you. Yours is an example future generations must follow. To those whose family members are among our military ranks, our gratitude is yours as well. We understand that the oath taken by your loved ones becomes yours too, and that your service and sacrifice - while often unsung - are critical in the completion of every successful United States military mission.

And to all others who support our troops and the good work they do, I encourage you to make known your appreciation today and point the eyes of our young people toward the brave warriors throughout our history who've stood watch - and do so even now - as guardians of freedom. 

Sincerely,

Congressman Darrell Issa
(United States Army 1970-1972, 1976-1980)