Governor Rendell Praises Veterans for Their Service, Sacrifice

Statement

Governor Rendell Praises Veterans for Their Service, Sacrifice

Governor Edward G. Rendell praised the service and sacrifices Pennsylvania troops have rendered their country as he issued the following statement for Veterans Day tomorrow:

"I salute the more than 1.1 million Pennsylvania veterans living today who have come from all corners of the commonwealth and from all walks of life to answer their nation's call to duty.

"We owe a debt of gratitude to these fighting men and women, including the more than 5,400 Pennsylvania National Guard members who are deployed today as part of the Global War on Terror. Pennsylvania has lost 216 service members in this war, including 44 National Guard casualties; the most of any state.

"Each service member has his or her own story to tell, but whether duty found them at home or abroad in wartime or peacetime, they all share the pride of having served their country and a memory of taking an oath to become part of something much larger than themselves. Their courageous example inspires others who follow in their footsteps and their sacrifices remind us that freedom is not free.

"We are truly blessed as Americans to have such brave men and women willing to defend our nation and we owe them our heartfelt thanks, just as we also owe a debt of gratitude to the families of veterans' who have paid a price for freedom. When duty called, they put their lives on hold to answer their country's call.

"We may never be able to fully appreciate how important these sacrifices have been for our country, but we should never fail to express our thanks. On Veterans Day, I encourage every American to pause and remember the bravery of those serving in the armed forces. Their heroism has helped to defend our democracy and preserve our way of life; for that, we are eternally grateful."

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