To the Editor:

Veterans Day is a time when Americans acknowledge their fellow citizens who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces.

Originally called Armistice Day, it marked the end of World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. President Eisenhower in 1954 signed a bill renaming the holiday and expanding it to honor all service members.

It’s a day that not only celebrates the end of the horrors of a war, but also those who have served in support of their country.

This Veterans Day is particularly poignant. With the war in Iraq recently ended and America’s presence in Afghanistan slowly scaling back, many soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are returning home to their families and readjusting to civilian life — a transition that is not always easy.

As legislators, it is our responsibility to make sure Maine’s veterans have the full support of their state government, whether it comes to getting the right training to help find a good job, being able to see a doctor when you need one, or living with dignity and security in your later years.

Veterans Day is the perfect time to renew that commitment. Maine has roughly 140,000 veterans — the second most per capita in the United States.

To every one of you, we owe you our gratitude for putting on that uniform and standing up, not just for friends and family but also many more perfect strangers.

Thank you again for all you have done and all you will do.

State Rep. Charlie Priest
State Rep. Mattie Daughtry
Brunswick