As the Veterans Day parade marches past our Columbia headquarters, it is impossible to not become overwhelmed with pride and respect for this great country.

After the tremendous success of our recent elections, we must take time to commemorate the brave sacrifices of countless men and women who make our way of life possible. We recognize that our Democracy and precious liberties would be mere memories without our nation’s military personnel and the families that support them.

Veterans Day used to be known as Armistice Day, since it marks the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. Major hostilities of WWI were formally ended when the Germans signed the Armistice on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918.

We now label this special occasion as Veterans Day to honor all military veterans of every war in American history. Each one of us has a family member or friend who has served or is currently serving in our nation’s military. Please take the time today to let them know how much you appreciate their brave sacrifice and willingness to protect our country.

South Carolina alone deploys more than 3,500 military personnel every year, and we are honored and privileged to commemorate them on this special day.

Tonight, we will lay our heads down and rest well, knowing that there is an American man or woman standing guard for liberty and protecting this great nation. Thank you to all who have served and to all those who currently wear the uniform of freedom.

Sincerely,

The SCGOP Team