With last Wednesday, Nov. 11, being Veterans Day, it is important to take a moment to reflect upon this important day. Whether you attended one of the many events around the community, or simply took time out of your day to appreciate or thank someone who has served, it's important to recognize those who have fought to protect our freedom.
Veterans Day in the United States dates back 90 years to 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th as Armistice Day to commemorate the ending of World War I, one year previous. Over the next two decades, many states declared state holidays and recognized the veterans of WWI on this day. However, it was not until 1938 that Nov. 11, Armistice Day, was officially declared a national legal holiday. While this day originally was set aside to honor veterans of WWI, the law was amended in 1954 to become Veterans Day, to honor American veterans of all wars.
Everyone has their own way of thanking our nation's veterans, and honoring the sacrifice they have made for our freedom and safety. I was able to attend two district events to recognize our community's veterans this Wednesday. In downtown Oregon, very fittingly held next to the first World War I monument in the country, and later the annual Veteran's Day Dinner in Monroe.
Wisconsin has a proud tradition of military service. According to the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), there are 427,527 veterans living in Wisconsin. From World War II to the current soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, they have bravely responded to defend our country all across the world. These men and women are our friends, family, neighbors and co-workers. No matter how we show our appreciation, it is important to never forget what they have done to protect our freedom.
One priceless resource that is available to Wisconsin's veterans is the Veterans Trust Fund. This fund provides essential services to Wisconsin veterans including, but not limited to, education and employment assistance, obtaining health care services not covered by the federal VA, overcoming employment difficulties, and home purchasing assistance.
However, the Veterans Trust Fund is in danger due to past raids and added financial burdens. If nothing is done to protect the Veterans Trust Fund, it is on track to run a deficit in 2012. Therefore, I have signed onto legislation authored by Rep. Kevin Peterson, R-Waupaca, and Sen. Scott Fitzgerald, R- Juneau, to keep the Veterans Trust Fund solvent through 2016 by prioritizing our state's spending.
This legislation was requested by the following organizations: American Legion, AMVETS, Dry Hootch, Gold Star Wives, Madison Veterans Council, Marine Corps League, Military Order of the Purple Heart , Military Officers Association of America, Navy Clubs of USA, Polish Legion of American Veterans, The Retired Enlisted Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, Wisconsin American GI Forum and Wisconsin Vietnam Vets. I am hopeful the Legislature and governor will act quickly to ensure our veterans have the support they have earned.
While we specifically set aside Nov. 11 to recognize veterans, we also should be aware that those who have served, and continue to serve, our country deserve our continuous appreciation 365 days a year, not just on Veterans Day.
- Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and parts of Lafayette, Rock and Dane counties.
Veterans Day in the United States dates back 90 years to 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th as Armistice Day to commemorate the ending of World War I, one year previous. Over the next two decades, many states declared state holidays and recognized the veterans of WWI on this day. However, it was not until 1938 that Nov. 11, Armistice Day, was officially declared a national legal holiday. While this day originally was set aside to honor veterans of WWI, the law was amended in 1954 to become Veterans Day, to honor American veterans of all wars.
Everyone has their own way of thanking our nation's veterans, and honoring the sacrifice they have made for our freedom and safety. I was able to attend two district events to recognize our community's veterans this Wednesday. In downtown Oregon, very fittingly held next to the first World War I monument in the country, and later the annual Veteran's Day Dinner in Monroe.
Wisconsin has a proud tradition of military service. According to the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), there are 427,527 veterans living in Wisconsin. From World War II to the current soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, they have bravely responded to defend our country all across the world. These men and women are our friends, family, neighbors and co-workers. No matter how we show our appreciation, it is important to never forget what they have done to protect our freedom.
One priceless resource that is available to Wisconsin's veterans is the Veterans Trust Fund. This fund provides essential services to Wisconsin veterans including, but not limited to, education and employment assistance, obtaining health care services not covered by the federal VA, overcoming employment difficulties, and home purchasing assistance.
However, the Veterans Trust Fund is in danger due to past raids and added financial burdens. If nothing is done to protect the Veterans Trust Fund, it is on track to run a deficit in 2012. Therefore, I have signed onto legislation authored by Rep. Kevin Peterson, R-Waupaca, and Sen. Scott Fitzgerald, R- Juneau, to keep the Veterans Trust Fund solvent through 2016 by prioritizing our state's spending.
This legislation was requested by the following organizations: American Legion, AMVETS, Dry Hootch, Gold Star Wives, Madison Veterans Council, Marine Corps League, Military Order of the Purple Heart , Military Officers Association of America, Navy Clubs of USA, Polish Legion of American Veterans, The Retired Enlisted Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, Wisconsin American GI Forum and Wisconsin Vietnam Vets. I am hopeful the Legislature and governor will act quickly to ensure our veterans have the support they have earned.
While we specifically set aside Nov. 11 to recognize veterans, we also should be aware that those who have served, and continue to serve, our country deserve our continuous appreciation 365 days a year, not just on Veterans Day.
- Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and parts of Lafayette, Rock and Dane counties.
