When this column comes out the elections will be over, the
pundits will be revamping their messages, our evening meals will be less likely
interrupted by robo-calls, mail will be reduced to normal and hopefully our
elected officials will begin to work for the good of those that they
represent. There will be much
speculation about our future and how our leaders will shape our country, our
state and our local communities. I
sincerely hope and pray that the people of this country that have the privilege
of choice and the right to vote have the foresight to elect leaders that will
keep this country safe, proud and prosperous so that our future generations
will have the same opportunities and freedoms that we have experienced for
years.
In just a few
days our nation will pause to honor the many men and women who so selflessly
serve in defense of our great nation. As
we look ahead to Veterans day, I think it is important we resolve to
acknowledge the service and sacrifices of the members of our Armed Forces each
and every day rather than just one day
each year.
We are blessed to
live in the greatest nation on Earth.
While we go about our daily lives secure in the knowledge that our way
of life will be safe now and for future generations, we too often forget the
men and women who give us that security.
Thousands of miles away, far from their own families and friends, these
brave heroes stand watch on foreign and hostile territory. They put their lives at risk so that our own
lives and the lives of our loved ones will remain protected.
We owe these
patriots a debt of gratitude. It can
come in the form of a simple thank you or it can take shape as something more
substantive. Even at the state level, we
must continually be aware of the needs of the men and women who are presently
serving or who have served their country in the past. One of the more important things we did
during the last legislative session was to secure a dedicated funding source
for our state’s seven veterans’ homes that provide care for more than 1,300
veterans across our state. With the
more than $31 million in funding the homes will receive each year, they will be
able to provide the quality care our veterans deserve.
We also expanded
our Show Me Heroes program that helps military personnel and their spouses to
find employment when they return from active duty. It’s another way to give back to our men and
women who have left their homes, their jobs and their families to protect our
nation and guard our freedoms.
Veterans day is not one day out of the year
to say thank you, but a reminder that we should remember and appreciate our
veterans each and every day that America remains the land of the free and the
home of the brave.
If you have questions, you may
reach me at my Capitol number 573-751-9465, at the local district number,
660-582-4014, by email at mike.thomson@house.mo.gov or by mail at Room 401B
State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101
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