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Our Nation declared independence from Great Britain 250 years ago on July 4, 1776. 143 years later, in 1919, our nation's 28th President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first "Armistice Day" to mark the one-year anniversary of the end of World War I. And, 35 years after that, in 1919, our nation's 34th President Dwight Eisenhower designated this date as "Veterans Day" to honor all American service members who served our nation in uniform.
Freedom is not free. There's a cost that must be paid in order for a people to be free. That cost has been paid by generations of those who have worn the uniform of our nation, and it is appropriate on this day for the American people to share gratitude with those who have served, sacrificed, and live with the consequences of that service. I share my respect and admiration with those with whom I served over a 33-year career in the Iowa Army National Guard, and all others who served.
The VA (federal, state, county) is there for veterans - that is a guarantee. Please help connect veterans in need of support and assistance with county veteran service offices, and don't stop advocating for them until they get the help they need. If you are a veteran, then join veteran service organizations for which you are eligible; these organizations add value to the lives of veterans and their families, as well as the communities where they are present. We are better together. It is an honor to serve.
Todd Jacobus is the commandant of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs.