releases: https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/fort-report/fort-report-talk-veteran
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://fortenberry.house.gov/news/fort-report/fort-report-talk-veteran | Fort Report: Talk to a Veteran | 2020-11-13 | 2020 | 2020-11 | Republican | Senate | NE | Jeff Fortenberry | F000449 | fortenberry.house.gov | legacy | In December of 1944, it was thought that WWII may be beginning to near its end. Through a surprise offensive known as the Battle of the Bulge, the German army shattered the illusion. The 40-day engagement was the bloodiest single battle of the war for U.S. troops; over 19,000 Americans lost their lives in the bitter, winter cold. On the 75th anniversary of the battle I was asked by the Speaker of the House, along with a small congressional delegation, to honor our remaining veterans and participate in remembrance ceremonies in Bastogne, Belgium. A cold, misty rain blanketed the landscape at the battle site made famous by the Band of Brothers. I stood next to a very old veteran as we quietly peered into the remnants of a fox hole. He kept whispering through his tears, nineteen years old, nineteen years old..." Here's why I'm relating this story: -If you are starting to feel overwhelmed by our nation's struggles, talk to a veteran. -If you see our policy battles as impossible to solve, talk to a veteran. -If you want to reconnect with those things that bind us, talk to a veteran. We live in an age of fearful urgency. As social media continues to find its way deeper into the fabric of our lives, it attempts to convince us that every bit of information coming our way requires our immediate attention. For the first time in history, a constantly updated news cycle is at our fingertips. While it has always been the goal of the media to capture a larger share of audience attention, the tools needed to accomplish this task are much more pervasive in our personal lives. Every communication coming our way is vying for our direct attention in an over-saturated market of tweets, breaking news stories, and commentary. In this environment, fear can easily become ever-present in our local and national conversations driving us to places of anxiety, alienation, and mistrust of one another. I find that when I spend meaningful time around those who have served in our military, the noise fades, and a right perspective returns to my spirit. I am reminded of the greater ideal of self-sacrifice and I am drawn into unity with other Americans by connecting with those who selflessly and dutifully served simply because it wasnoble and good. Given the pandemic and the post-election dynamics, this year Veteran's Day passed without our nation's fuller focus. This quieter remembrance does not diminish the gift their sacrifice has given us. If the noise becomes too loud, talk to a veteran. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |