NH State Representative Steven Smith

Today is Veterans Day. I offer my deepest thanks to those have served, who are serving, and who will serve. The brave men and women of our armed services risk their lives to keep us safe, and free. Today, thank a Veteran. Don’t worry about eloquence. There are no words sufficient to be worthy of the sacrifice of our Veterans and their families. Here is some background regarding the origins of Veterans Day.

From Wikipedia:

U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. In proclaiming the holiday, he said

“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

The United States Congress passed a concurrent resolution seven years later on June 4, 1926, requesting that President Calvin Coolidge issue another proclamation to observe November 11 with appropriate ceremonies. A Congressional Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U.S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday: “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day’.”

In 1945, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks from Birmingham, Alabama, had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who died in World War I. Weeks led a delegation to Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, who supported the idea of National Veterans Day. Weeks led the first national celebration in 1947 in Alabama and annually until his death in 1985. President Reagan honored Weeks at the White House with the Presidential Citizenship Medal in 1982 as the driving force for the national holiday. Elizabeth Dole, who prepared the briefing for President Reagan, determined Weeks as the “Father of Veterans Day.”

U.S. Representative Ed Rees from Emporia, Kansas, presented a bill establishing the holiday through Congress. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, also from Kansas, signed the bill into law on May 26, 1954.

Congress amended this act on June 1, 1954, replacing “Armistice” with “Veterans,” and it has been known as Veterans Day since.

Thank you.  Once again, voters in my district chose many top of the ticket Democrat candidates, but then crossed over to vote for me.  I know candidates who “ride the wave” in their districts, winning or losing based on the prevailing political winds.  Not so, here in District 11.  The bi-partisan support I have received from you is humbling, and I will try my very best to live up to it as your Representative for the next two years.  Thanks to my family who puts up with my crazy schedule.  Thanks to my son Conlin, my daughter Jessica, my son Luis, and my wife Adele, who help me campaign, and stand at the polls for me on Election Day.  Most of all, thank you to the voters who took time out of your lives to come out to vote today and made your voices heard.

In 24 hours, you’ll be voting. I’m asking for your vote tomorrow so that I can continue to serve this district. I understand that this job is not political. Being a State Representative is about helping constituents navigate through difficulties with state government. Just last week, someone had an issue with an erroneous DMV notice. I was able to get him an answer straight from the Director of the Department of Safety. I’ve filed bills on behalf of people who live here, and worked with members of both parties to try to pass them. I’ve fought, successfully, for public transportation for the area. I worked to approve the new biomass plant that saves you money and protects the environment. Forget the negative ads, and all the hate out there. On November 4th, choose the person who you think can best do the work of representing you in Concord, and fighting for your interests there. I hope you find me to be that person. Whether you vote for me or not, please do vote. If you have trouble getting to the polls, contact me for help. Thank you for your support and I hope to serve you for another two years.

Steve