Saturday, November 3, 2012

A Moment with Mike -- Veterans Day 2012



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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