The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month-Veterans Day.
World War I known at the time as “The Great War”- officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919 , in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles , France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918 , is generally regarded as “the end of the war to end all wars.”

Some of the best times of my life were spent serving in the military. I traveled. I saw different parts of the world. I became a better person. I became disciplined and mission oriented. I worked very long hours and supervised many fine men and women. I used the GI Bill to go to college…and I actually graduated!

I’m biased: I think people who actually served in the military can make better decisions about veterans issues and military issues than those who did not. It takes a special person to “sign their name on the dotted line” and those special people have a better understanding of what WE veterans went through, both in times of war and peace, serving our great country. In Jack’s perfect world, nobody, and I repeat nobody, should be on committees dealing with veterans or military issues who did not serve in the military.
In the 108th Congress, 35 members of the 100 member U.S. Senate served in the military in some capacity. Montana can be proud to have one of those 35 -I salute the Marine, U.S. Senator Conrad Burns, for his service and for being a great advocate for veterans and the military.
In the 108th Congress, 121 House members of the 435 member House served in the military in some capacity.

Sure, there’s the “window dressing” during times of debate in Washington DC regarding military and veterans issues – and when our country is at war. There are budget buster votes to get someone to vote No and then use it against them in a commercial.

A few facts: The funding for the VA is still growing and it will continue to be increased. The Bush Administration has increased funding to the VA 53%. That’s $24 BILLON more in just five years. In the President’s first four years, spending for veterans increased TWICE AS MUCH as it did in eight years of the Clinton Administration.

Americans tire quickly of war and death – but we must stay the course to be safe and secure in America. President Bush told us that when this War on Terror started. Many candidates in 2006 will (and are) using the War as a campaign issue – and that’s politics in today’s society. Recently, one candidate said he wanted an exit strategy. His statement, probably written by someone who has no experience in the military whatsoever, (we know the candidate does not) was full of holes. A military person who has ever been part of a mission has to giggle at his amateurish attempt at military strategy.

I salute those who served our great Nation today. My Flag is proudly flying today for all my brothers and sisters who had the courage to take the step of serving in the military. God Bless you and God Bless the USA.