As the nation takes a brief pause from the election-related news cycle, Alabama's politicos are using the national holiday to remember the sacrifices of our nation's veterans throughout the years.
Alabama has a unique connection to Veterans Day. The holiday was initially called Armistice Day in 1919 to celebrate the end of World War I hostilities the year prior by President Woodrow Wilson. It wasn't until 1938 that Armistice Day was recognized as an official holiday. However, years later, World War II veteran and Birmingham native Raymond Weeks suggested opening the holiday to all veterans. Weeks led a delegation to Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, who supported the idea, and the change was made official in 1954.
Weeks led a national celebration for nearly 40 years before he died in 1985, after being honored at the White House by President Ronald Reagan and given the Presidential Citizenship Medal.
Today, Alabama's citizens and leaders remember the sacrifice of the nation's veterans and the Alabama native who granted them the national holiday to remember and reflect.
Gov. Kay Ivey released a video message on Veteran's Day to remember her father, who fought in World War II.
In Alabama, we love our country and all she stands for, and we love our veterans.
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) November 11, 2024
On Veterans Day – and everyday – we honor you and salute you for your service. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/I4uOeOLa3Q
"My father, Boadman Nettles Ivey, was a captain in the field artillery," Ivey said. "He landed at Normandy six days after D-Day and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. Consequently, I did not meet him until I was two years old. My father's service and that of veterans throughout our nation's history are why we can live in freedom today. To the more than 400,000 veterans who call Alabama home – we thank you for all you have sacrificed for our country. Please know I am more committed than ever to support both you and your families. I am proud Alabama is a great state for veterans. From your transition to civilian life, we are there to help further your education, build your business and even enjoy our abundant natural resources."
Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth emphasized the enormous "debt of gratitude" we all owe to the nation's veterans.
Our veterans represent the very best of America. They selflessly put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms, and we owe them a debt of gratitude today and every day.
— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) November 11, 2024
Veterans, my family and I appreciate your service and sacrifice. May God bless you and your families. pic.twitter.com/SG6sMfIs4F
House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) thanked those who served.
We’re blessed to call the greatest country in the world home, and that’s because of our veterans.
— Nathaniel Ledbetter (@RepLedbetter) November 11, 2024
To the men and women who answered the call to protect the freedoms we hold dear - thank you. pic.twitter.com/c55xCnGzMI
The Alabama Republican Party expressed gratitude and respect for those who served.
Today, we stand in deep gratitude and respect for the brave men and women who have served our nation. Veterans Day is a time to honor their dedication, sacrifice, and courage, reminding us of the freedoms we hold dear.
— ALGOP (@ALGOP) November 11, 2024
To every veteran: thank you.#VeteransDay pic.twitter.com/f87smD0xy4
Secretary of State Wes Allen issued a reminder to remember and appreciate the sacrifice veterans made.
This Veterans Day, and every day, let us all remember and appreciate the sacrifices of the brave men and women who have served our great nation. Thank you to our veterans. pic.twitter.com/Qy7JegSkPw
— Wes Allen Alabama Secretary of State (@alasecofstate) November 11, 2024
Attorney General Steve Marshall said veterans always deserved thanks for their service.
On #VeteransDay, we commemorate the service, sacrifice, and contributions of our nation’s veterans, who have defended the United States and our freedoms. Service and sacrifice among our military is unparalleled in the world. Their dedication deserves respect and thanks, always. pic.twitter.com/vCIdgnigKO
— Attorney General Steve Marshall (@AGSteveMarshall) November 11, 2024
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) called on people reflect on those who had made the sacrifice.
Veterans Day allows us a moment to recognize every brave man and woman who have risked their lives to defend freedom and liberty.
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) November 11, 2024
To all our veterans, thank you for your service and sacrifice to our country. pic.twitter.com/dan1z74pV4
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) published a video thanking veterans.
Today, we honor our veterans who defended our liberty and Constitution.
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) November 11, 2024
To every brave American who wore our nation's uniform: We are the Land of the Free because of you, the Brave. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. #VeteransDay pic.twitter.com/tOhkX2tjFW
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) emphasized how hard it was to say enough to thank those who served.
We can never say enough about how much we owe each and every one of you. Thank you. #VeteransDay pic.twitter.com/noMbIMrdZJ
— Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) November 11, 2024
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) honored veterans for their bravery, service and sacrifice.
Thank you to all of our veterans for their bravery, service, and sacrifice.
— Dale W. Strong (@RepDaleStrong) November 11, 2024
Today, we honor the men and women who selflessly work to keep America free. pic.twitter.com/SZoaX0Bkse
U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) urged people to take the time to thank a veteran.
Today, we honor all those who have defended our great nation. Thank you to all the brave men and women who have fought and sacrificed to protect our freedom.
— Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) November 11, 2024
Let's all take time today to show appreciation to the veterans in our lives. #VeteransDay pic.twitter.com/T2j8bNB2aF
U.S. Rep Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) thanked those who answered the call to serve the country.
Today we honor the brave men and women who have served in our Armed Forces. Thank you to the millions of veterans, service members, and military families who have answered the call to serve and made the world a safer place. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/ja1B4IXz6b
— Rep. Terri A. Sewell (@RepTerriSewell) November 11, 2024
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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