As we celebrate America 250, let us reflect on how veterans have truly shaped what it means to be an American.
Veterans Day and military service have always been deeply personal to my family and me. As a young child, my grandmother often told stories about my uncle, SFC Robert Guthrie, who was killed during the Korean War, before I was born. Every year on Memorial Day, she would gather my siblings and me to take us to place an American flag on his grave so that people passing by would know that an American hero who sacrificed his life for our nation was buried there.
While I sadly never had the chance to meet my uncle, I am reminded of his sacrifice every time I enter my office in Washington, where I proudly display the 48-star flag that was draped over his coffin and presented to my grandmother in 1952. These memories and his sacrifice in part motivated me to pursue my own military service in the U.S. Army. During my time at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and as a Field Artillery Officer in the 101st Airborne Division, I had the honor of serving alongside incredible men and women who dedicated their lives to serving our nation and keeping their fellow Americans safe.
Officer in the 101st Airborne Division – Air Assault at Fort Campbell.
“The values of duty, honor, and country instilled in me at West Point have gone on to shape my entire life, especially my service in Washington.”
When I think to myself what Veterans Day means to me, I am often reminded of West Point’s motto: “Duty, Honor, Country.” While officially adopted by West Point, these values embody what it means to serve in our armed forces and truly showcase the ways in which veterans have shaped the fabric of our nation.
Duty means accepting responsibility and fulfilling your commitments, even when doing so is difficult. For those who serve in the military, duty means putting the mission and the well-being of others ahead of personal interests. This value teaches perseverance, responsibility, and selflessness. These qualities strengthen families, communities, and the United States of America.
Honor means living with integrity and doing what is right, even when no one is watching. Military service, past and present, emphasizes honesty, courage, respect, and accountability. Veterans carry these principles with them throughout their lives, setting an example of character and reminding others that trust and integrity are essential to a strong society.
Country represents a commitment to something larger than oneself. Military service calls people to protect their fellow citizens and the principles they hold dear. This value encourages unity, sacrifice, and a sense of shared responsibility. Veterans demonstrate that serving one’s country can take many forms and that every citizen can contribute to the strength of America.
The values of duty, honor, and country instilled in me at West Point have gone on to shape my entire life, especially my service in Washington. Throughout the 119th Congress, I have been proud to join alongside my colleagues in Congress to deliver results for the brave men and women who have worn the uniform.
From passing legislation to enhance benefits for more than 500,000 veterans, to improving access to community care and telemedicine, and working to streamline the VA claims process so those who have worn the uniform can better access what they are owed, House Republicans have advanced commonsense solutions to pressing issues facing America’s more than 16.5 million veterans.
America’s veterans have sacrificed so much to preserve the freedoms of all Americans. As a West Point graduate and representative in Congress, the memories and experiences of the men and women I’ve served alongside, and those who came before me, continue to guide my work in Congress each day. This Veterans Day, we celebrate all those who have worn the uniform in service to a grateful nation.
Brett Guthrie represents the 2nd District of Kentucky in the U.S. House of Representatives and serves as Chairman of the Energy & Commerce Committee. He graduated in 1987 from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and went on to serve as a Field Artillery Officer in the 101st Airborne Division – Air Assault at Fort Campbell.