Obama, Duckworth Veterans Day TributeObama, Duckworth Veterans Day Tribute
Tammy Duckworth joined President-Elect Obama in laying a wreath at Soldier Field on Veterans Day. Duckworth, you might remember, gained the attention of Illinois Senator Dick Durbin when she was going through rehabilitation at Walter Reed. Deployed to Iraq in 2004, she lost both legs and partial use of one arm when an RPG hit her helicopter. A strong opponent of the war, she soon ran for Henry Hyde’s Congressional seat in a tough campaign in 2006. She lost, but her smarts and savvy secured her a position as the Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.
Statement By President-Elect Obama:
“As we mark Veterans Day, all Americans are united in honoring the extraordinary service and selfless sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. Our veterans are part of an unbroken line of heroes who have defended the American people and stood up for American values - from the beaches of Normandy to the battles in East Asia; from the deserts of Kuwait to the skies above Kosovo; from the cities of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan. Since 9/11, a new generation of American heroes has borne a heavy load in facing down the threats of the 21st century, and their families have been asked to bear the painful absence of a loved one. These Americans are the best and bravest among us, and they are all in our thoughts and prayers.“On this Veterans Day, let us rededicate ourselves to keep a sacred trust with all who have worn the uniform of the United States of America: that America will serve you as well as you have served your country. As your next Commander-in-Chief, I promise to work every single day to keep that sacred trust with all who have served. May God bless our veterans, and may God bless the United States of America,” said President-elect Barack Obama.”