Last Wednesday, Dec. 7, marked the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The day following the bombing, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt addressed Congress with a speech that is still quoted today. President Roosevelt began his speech by saying, “…December 7th — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.” A mere hour after the president’s address, Congress declared war against Japan, fully entering our nation into World War II.

The anniversary of Pearl Harbor is a somber reminder of how much we owe to the men and women who served in the military both then and now.

The innocents who perished that day represent the best our nation has to offer. The bravery of those enlisted in our armed forces shines through on a daily basis as they train for all possible scenarios and prepare to be deployed at a moment’s notice, knowing full well they may face the ultimate sacrifice to protect their fellow Americans.

They put their lives on the line and move into action without hesitation because they love our country, its people, and the values for which we stand.

Virginia’s Fifth District has a long and distinguished history of military service to our country dating back to our very founding and continuing to the present and the Global War on Terror. And of course we remember the many Central and Southside Virginians who served in World War II, including all those who famously led the invasion of the beaches of Normandy, France, on D-Day. We owe all our heroes past and present our gratitude and our unwavering support. It is imperative that our current servicemen and women have the resources they need to continue doing their job of serving and protecting.

It was indeed fitting that last week both the House and the Senate came together in a bipartisan effort to pass the National Defense Authorization Act of 2017, a major piece of legislation Congress adopts each year to provide resources to our troops and manage the policies that direct the Department of Defense.

Most notably, the bill includes a pay raise for these brave men and women — the largest in six years. As a nation, we owe our military the equipment and protective gear needed to successfully execute their missions and get home safely to their families. And they should receive compensation and benefits befitting of their sacrifice, as they risk their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor for us each and every day.

This holiday season, I would like to thank not only those serving our country, but also those families who have loved ones serving.

Without your sacrifices, we would not be the country we are today.

We thank you for your tireless service and will always keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

  

Robert Hurt represents Lunenburg County in the US House of Representatives. He can be reached at his Farmville office at 434-395-0120 or by email at hurt.house.gov.office at (434) 395-0120 or by email at hurt.house.gov.