Ninety-one years ago today, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the Armistice was signed ending World War I, sending our boys home with the hope of a lasting peace after a hard-fought victory on European soil.

As history would later reveal, that marked merely a stopping point in a struggle that would engulf the world in war two decades later, and eventually lead to a Cold War between two allies who were previously joined together in the struggle against the Axis powers.

Whether in the trenches of Europe, the islands of the Pacific, the mountains of Korea, the jungles of Vietnam, the sands of the Persian Gulf, or the remote mountainous terrain of Afghanistan, American fighting men and women have courageously risked life and limb to protect freedom and overcome the forces of tyranny to the benefit of millions of oppressed people worldwide.

The free air we breathe was purchased at a great price by the veterans of the United States Military. Many never came home, and others would be destined to live the remainder of their lives with the physical and emotional scars of war.

These heroes deserve more than the tribute of Veterans Day, they deserve our undying devotion and respect. As a Marine Mom whose son was sent to war, I know the sacrifice made by our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, and their families too. May they know how deeply grateful we are, as Texans and Americans, for their courageous service. Today is their day of tribute. But every day that we live in freedom is a testament to their courage. May we honor all veterans with the same measure of devotion with which they fought for our country. God bless the veterans of the United States Military.