This is State Senator André Jacque from Northeast Wisconsin.

On Monday we commemorate Veterans Day to recognize those who have worn our nation’s uniform. This remembrance rose from the armistice ending the First World War, and first took effect at “the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month” of 1918.

Time and again – before and since – seemingly common men and women have displayed uncommon valor, in times of great peril to themselves, to defend our liberties. Yet for every story told by a veteran, there are countless others that are never known, that can never be fully told. They are heroes willing to lay down their lives for people they’ve never met, and we can only pray that our lives are worthy of their sacrifice. We are the home of the free because of the brave.

As the son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend to so many who have served in the US Armed forces, and as a country and our state, it is critical that we honor and serve these brave men and women who have served, and in many ways continue to serve us. Two years ago, Wisconsin enacted my proposal to end Wisconsin’s tax on active duty military pay so that we joined the majority of states that no longer penalize those willing to deploy in defense of our freedom. But there remains much more to do.

This Veterans Day, let us remember to honor the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our service members who have risen to the call of duty and put on hold their dreams to preserve the dreams of our nation and fought to keep America safe and free… Not just on November 11th, but every other day of the year as well.

Thanks for listening, and may God Bless our veterans.