Congresswoman Jackie Walorski: Thanksgiving Op-Ed

This Thanksgiving as we gather with family and friends, we should consider the many
blessings to be thankful for. We are blessed beyond measure and I think this year, its
important to not only be thankful but also remember why we are able to gather with our
friends and family.
The United States faces a variety of unprecedented challenges on the international stage.
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I take our countrys safety and the
safety of our service members very seriously.
Violence continues in Syria, Iran continues to defy leaders and develop nuclear weapons,
tension between Russia and Ukraine remains, and cyberterrorism from China and a host of
other countries persists.
In spite of these threats, I am eternally grateful to live in America, a country that exudes
leadership. We cherish our freedoms of the press, speech, religion, and assembly.
Thanks to our brave men and women in uniform, we live in a place where any American
can express and practice their beliefs without fear of oppression.
To our heroes in uniform both past and present I thank you for your service. We can
never do enough to repay you and you deserve our deepest appreciation and respect.
To our service members families, who have made daily sacrifices that the rest of us
cannot begin to imagine - I am eternally grateful.
To our dedicated Hoosiers that contribute to maintaining our strong military presence
across the world I am especially thankful for your contributions to keeping our state and
our country safe.
Earlier this month, I spent several days touring the state to visit with our defense partners
and military bases to get a firsthand account of the role Indiana plays in protecting
America both at home and abroad. During my visits, I was reminded of just how brave and
patriotic we Hoosiers are. With a population of over 6 million people, Indiana has one of
the largest National Guard contingents in the country. When duty calls overseas, Hoosiers
have made Indiana proud for decades by answering the call to serve, and in some cases
making the ultimate sacrifice.
As we gather together this year, I want to take this opportunity to invite constituents to
offer their condolences to the people of France as they grapple with the horrific attacks on
November 13. Email your sympathy message to IN02prayforparis@gmail.com or write to
my district office at 202 Lincolnway East, Suite 101, Mishawaka, Indiana 46544 by Friday,
December 4 and Ill deliver your messages to the French ambassador.
May God bless our troops and each of you this Thanksgiving holiday.