To each of you who has sworn to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; [and] bear true faith and allegiance to the same", I thank you. To those that have left family, friends and comfort behind to live out that oath, I thank you. To the families who have stayed behind and supported those who put themselves in harm's way on our behalf, I thank you. To those left behind when a Soldier, Sailor, or Marine makes that ultimate sacrifice, I thank you.

All politics takes a back seat to the simple fact that our veterans give more than most of us can begin to understand, and for that reason they deserve our thanks and respect.

Grandpa Evans, Grandpa Rickert, Grandpa Merchant, Alan, Jay, Melissa, Chuck, and any other veterans that I've had the pleasure to know, I'm richer for it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.