Honoring Our American Heroes

Tom Emmer
Tom Emmer
Jul 28, 2017 · 5 min read

This week is American Heroes Week — a time meant to honor the men and women who have served our great nation by ensuring our safety, upholding our liberties and fighting for the many freedoms that we hold dear.

Their sacrifice is often great — requiring them to miss anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and precious moments with their families. It sometimes even requires them to face grave danger and put their lives on the line in order to protect and serve others. We can never take their service for granted, which is why this week holds so much meaning.

One of the best things about serving Minnesota in Congress is having the opportunity to meet these heroes and thank them for their service. I am always in awe of their stories and will remain eternally grateful for their dedication to the American people.

In my first year in Congress, I had the chance to welcome World War II veterans from Central Minnesota to our nation’s capital. The individuals of the Greatest Generation are a reminder to us all of the importance of duty, patriotism, and sacrifice to our nation.

It is because of the heroism of these veterans that men, women and children across the United States are not only able to call this nation home, but are also proud to do so.

And just a week ago, I had the chance to accompany Mitchell Teich, a Purple Heart veteran, to the White House. It was Mitchell’s first time to our nation’s capital, and it was an absolute honor to assist him during his visit to the buildings and monuments that represent his brave service to our great country.

Since our veterans do so much to serve us, it is up to us to serve them once they return home. Ensuring that our veterans make a smooth transition from active duty to civilian life is a critical part of our service, which is why this week, my colleagues and I voted to pass the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, which will make much needed reforms to the GI Bill. These reforms will allow our veterans and their families to have increased access to valuable training programs as they seek educational opportunities that match the demands of the modern day workforce.

In addition to celebrating our active duty soldiers and veterans who protect and serve us abroad, we must also celebrate our police officers, firefighters and first responders who safeguard stability and protect us here at home. Their service is just as important and their sacrifice is often just as great.

In Minnesota, we have been blessed with some of the best police officers and first responders around.

Sauk Rapids Coffee with a Cop event

Jason Falconer, the off-duty police officer who stopped the St. Cloud Mall stabbing is an example of that.

Officer Jason Falconer

In our nation’s capital, we are also fortunate to have amazing police officers. Only a month ago during a Congressional baseball practice, scores of lives were saved by Capitol Police officers Crystal Griner and David Bailey, after a shooter began a violent attack on Senators, Representatives, Congressional staffers and other innocent individuals present.

Moments like this are devastating, but had it not been for the actions of Officers Griner and Bailey, the outcome would have been monumentally worse. It was touching and very fitting to see both officers presented with Medals of Valor by President Trump during American Heroes week.

Officer Crystal Griner receiving the Medal of Valor.
Officer David Bailey receiving the Medal of Valor.

Without the brave men and women who serve, we would not be the strong nation that we are today. I am also proud to have a son who chose to dedicate his life to serve the United States Navy. My wife Jacquie and I are so proud of his service to this great nation.

This is why we can never afford to forget their service or their sacrifice, and as long as I hold this seat in Congress, I vow to honor their lives and their work.

On behalf of those I represent, thank you to all of our American Heroes today and always. Below, see some other photos from the incredible meetings and interactions I have been blessed to have with brave men and women from the great state of Minnesota.

Presenting Grayce Benson Kerr with the Congressional Gold Medal.
Visiting the Minnesota Civil Air Patrol.
Brigadier General Sandra Best, the first female General in the Minnesota National Guard
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Minnesota Federal Law Enforcement Officers
2016 Veterans Voices Awardees
Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
Tom Emmer

Written by

Tom Emmer

Husband, father, hockey fan, and Congressman for Minnesota's 6th District.

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