Statements from Federal and State Leaders
Lawmakers from Nebraska and Iowa issued statements on Veterans Day to honor the service of military personnel. The remarks focused on the historical significance of the holiday and the ongoing responsibilities toward those who have served.
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, a combat veteran of the Global War on Terrorism, stated that Veterans Day holds special meaning for her and many others. In her statement, she honored the "brave men and women who answered the call to defend our freedom," citing service from the battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq to previous generations.
Ernst affirmed a commitment to ensuring veterans receive earned benefits and access to high-quality care. She pledged to remain a strong voice for America's veterans.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen stated that the state honors veterans for their dedicated service. He reaffirmed Nebraska's commitment to standing behind military personnel and their families every day.
Historical Context and Legislative Action
Senator Chuck Grassley delivered remarks on the Senate Floor regarding the origins of the holiday. He noted that Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day following the end of World War I.
Grassley highlighted that the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918 marked quiet on the Western Front. He described the day as a special occasion for thanks and remembrance, noting it was reminded by the prayer of the Senate Chaplain but should not require such reminders.
Grassley also pointed to local history in his home state of Iowa. He noted two New Hartford residents, identified as "Geyer-Bickner," who lost their lives in World War I. A local American Legion Post is named in their honor.
Oversight and Community Engagement
Grassley stated that it is the responsibility of those in public life to take care of veterans through lawmaking, oversight, and casework. He specified his work to ensure Iowa veterans have needed resources and to hold the federal government accountable.
To support this effort, Grassley’s office hosted a Veterans History Project event at American Legion Post 403 in Van Meter, Iowa. The event was designed to collect stories from veterans.
Grassley reported that his office has submitted over 100 stories from Iowa veterans to the Library of Congress through this project.