MonticelloLive

On Election Day earlier this week, more than a million Arkansans stepped into voting booths across the State to cast their ballots, and 100-million more Americans voted throughout the country.Our veterans, past and present, whose courage and patriotism we commemorate on November 11th, could not have a more fitting tribute than this: record numbers of Americans gathering peaceably to exercise our most sacred civic right and solemn obligation - the right of each citizen to vote his or her conscience in a free society. And as we reflect on this election and what it means for our nation’s future, we also take time to remember the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform, so that we might freely choose our leaders.

More than eighty years ago, Americans celebrated the first “Armistice Day,” marking the anniversary of the end of World War I. Years later, by an act of Congress in 1938, November 11th became a national holiday. And in 1954, while Dwight D. Eisenhower was President, he signed legislation to change the name to “Veterans Day,” to honor all who have served our country in war and in peace.

Across the generations, Arkansans from every corner of the Natural State have been among these warrior guardians of democracy, and have served and continue to serve with honor, courage, and integrity. Many of them are our friends, neighbors, and loved ones. We pray continually for their safety.

And as we remember and honor those who have served and those who are serving our nation today, we also focus on the days ahead. The deeds and dedication of our veterans assure us, and the generations to come, that America’s great promise of freedom and openness will endure and continue to flourish.

So, as we move forward from this historic election and begin the work to rebuild our economy and restore confidence in our government, both at home and abroad, we recognize that the liberty we enjoy as citizens of the United States-the liberty which makes our democracy possible-has been won and preserved at great cost by our veterans. We salute their service, honor their sacrifice, and thank them for supporting this nation in every hour of need.