By Congresswoman Stephanie Bice
This Wednesday, November 11, Americans across the country will come together to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation. Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize their courage, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to protecting the freedoms we enjoy today. America would not be what it is, a nation founded on liberty and opportunity, without the incredible heroes who have dedicated their lives to defending our country. It is a day to put aside our differences and come together in gratitude for those who have sacrificed so much on behalf of the American people.
Veterans Day was originally established as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I, when fighting ceased on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. In 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, Congress officially changed the name to Veterans Day to honor those who served in all wars. Today, November 11 serves as an important reminder of the generations of Americans who have answered the call to serve and the sacrifices they have made to preserve our way of life.
Oklahoma is home to many veterans, especially in the Fifth Congressional District, and it is an honor to represent them in Congress. This year, I have had the privilege of hosting several Vietnam Veteran Recognition Ceremonies across our district to thank those who served during the Vietnam War. These ceremonies have been a meaningful opportunity to personally express our gratitude to these brave men and women and ensure their service and sacrifices receive the recognition they deserve. It has been especially rewarding to hear their stories and learn more about their experiences defending our nation.
Honoring our veterans also means ensuring they receive the care, benefits, and support they have earned through their service. Helping former service members navigate federal agencies is an important part of the constituent services my office provides. Whether it is requesting updates on a benefits application, assisting with claims involving financial hardship, or helping obtain important military records such as a DD-214, my team is committed to supporting these individuals and their families. I encourage any veteran in Oklahoma’s Fifth Congressional District who needs assistance with a federal agency to reach out to my office.
In Congress, I have also continued working to advocate for our veterans, service members, and military families. This year, I was proud to support the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The legislation provides $469.49 billion in total funding, including important investments in military infrastructure, readiness, and resources for military families. Ensuring those who have worn our nation’s uniform receive the care and benefits they deserve, while providing our military with the resources necessary to defend our country, remains a top priority of mine.
As Americans, we cherish the values of liberty, freedom, and patriotism. For generations, courageous individuals have stepped forward to defend these principles, often at great personal sacrifice. This Veterans Day, I hope everyone will join me in expressing our gratitude to those who have served, both in Oklahoma and across the country. We are forever indebted to these incredible Americans for their courage, dedication, and willingness to put our nation before themselves. May we never take for granted the freedoms they have fought to preserve.
