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November 11, 2015
Dear Friend,
Please join me today in recognizing those who
have selflessly served to ensure the safety and security of our great nation.
Below, you can view our Veterans Day Video Message by clicking the image below,
or clicking here.
“Today, we come together as a nation to
recognize and pay tribute to our veterans who have selflessly served our
country with distinction and heroism.
“I’m here at Charlottesville’s Dogwood
Vietnam Memorial, the oldest civic, public memorial in the United States
dedicated to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. On November 4,
1965, US Army Specialist Champ Lawson, Jr of Earlysville became the first
Albemarle County area man to die serving our nation in Vietnam. Shortly
thereafter, Ken Staples, Bill Gentry, and Jim Shisler found themselves at
Staple’s Barbershop at the Barracks Road Shopping Center discussing the idea of
a memorial for local men who would give the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. A
few days later they met here in McIntire Park and decided that this should be
the location for the Memorial. Working with the City of Charlottesville and
local businesses, the Memorial’s interim construction was completed on January
12, 1966 and the Memorial was dedicated a few months later in April. The
memorial bears the name of 24 military personnel who gave the ultimate
sacrifice.
“Virginia is home to over 800,000 veterans
and countless more parents and family members of those in uniform who have made
immeasurable sacrifices in the name of American freedom.
“As we reflect on the liberties and
opportunities we all hold so dear, we remember that it is our veterans,
throughout the generations, who have preserved our way of life. As we are
reminded of how fortunate we are to live in this great nation and enjoy these
tremendous freedoms, we remember that if it were not for those willing to
serve, we would not have these blessings. And as we address our nation’s
challenges, we remain committed to preserving our American way of life for
those who will come after us, and committed to preserving those very freedoms
that so many before us have heroically defended.
“Throughout our history, we have encountered
grave challenges, and indeed today our challenges still persist. But our
veterans remind us of the courage and perseverance that set Americans apart.
“Next month, we look forward to hosting a
series of five commemorative ceremonies across the Fifth District specifically
recognizing our Vietnam veterans as we observe the 50th Anniversary of the
commencement of combat operations in the Vietnam War. If you, or a Vietnam
Veteran you know, is interested in participating in one of these commemorative
events, please call our Danville office or visit our website hurt.house.gov, and look for our Vietnam War Commemoration
page under 5th District Services.
“I am proud to serve our veterans in Central
and Southside Virginia, and I hope that you will join with me this Veterans Day
in thanking all of those who have and continue to serve this great nation.”
Washington, DC - 125 Cannon HOB * Washington, DC 20515 * Phone: (202)
225-4711 Charlottesville - 686 Berkmar Circle * Charlottesville, VA 22901 * Phone: (434) 973-9631
Danville - 308 Craghead St., Suite 102-D * Danville, VA 24541 * Phone: (434) 791-2596
Farmville - 515 S. Main Street, P.O. Box O * Farmville, VA 23901 * Phone: (434) 395-0120
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A 23901 * Phone: (434) 395-0120
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