11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month --A Thanks to All Veterans!

Dear IAVA Supporter,

In 1918, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month, after four years of bitter war, an armistice between the Allied powers and Germany went into effect, bringing the fighting of World War I to a close. Today, we celebrate the anniversary of that cessation as Veterans Day.



Over 1.5 million veterans have served in Iraq and Afghanistan so far, and every one of them volunteered to serve.

As Tom Lynch, a military fellow at the Brookings Instution, said:

"Perhaps never before in American history have so few done so much for so long."

For many newly-returned troops, this is the first Veterans Day they will spend as veterans.

This weekend, help us welcome them home.

Attend a local Veterans Day event, or if you know a veteran personally, take a minute to thank them.

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/436/t/26/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=813">You can write your own message of thanks to our veterans by clicking here.

Last year I marched in the New York City Veterans Day Parade alongside other veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was a truly amazing experience. Even though it was a cold Saturday morning, thousands of people turned out to show their support. As long-time Member Veteran Ray Kimball recalled, "I got the warmest welcome I've ever received in New York."

Veterans Day is not about debating the wars or partisan politics.

It is about the men and women who have served in our armed forces, and they deserve our gratitude.

So please,

take time this weekend to show your support for the men and women who have bravely served our country.

Sincerely,

Paul Rieckhoff
Iraq Veteran
Executive Director
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
http://www.iava.org/


http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/436/t/26/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=813">Do you want to send a message of thanks to our veterans this weekend? Say it in your own words: