Our country has recognized a day to celebrate veterans and their service for one hundred years. It began when fighting in World War I ended after an armistice between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. One year later, President Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 “Armistice Day” to honor those who died serving in the war.

In 1954, after thousands of Americans fought in World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day so that veterans of all wars could be honored on the day. The men and women of our armed services have sacrificed so much for our country and it is my firm belief that we owe no greater debt than to those who risked their lives to defend our nation.

As a member of Congress, I make it my mission to advocate on behalf of all veterans. I have introduced legislation to fix accessibility problems with the VA Choice Program, expand GI Bill education benefits, and improve investigations and audits in VA hospitals. Veterans across the country have benefitted from these changes and I will continue to help Oklahoma veterans any chance I can.

William Barnes, Sgt. U.S. Army Ret. and Jason Self, Sgt. U.S. Army Ret. in my Oklahoma offices handle the veterans casework and understand the issues that these men and women face and have been able to help with hundreds of cases, from tracking down lost decorations to getting them much needed medical care. If you are a veteran—or you know a veteran who is having a difficult time with the VA or receiving the merits they deserve—please contact one of my offices. Our team would love to help you.

One day is not enough to thank the brave men and women who defend our freedoms every day. As you celebrate the day off of work or school on Monday, Nov. 1, I hope you’ll take the time to thank a veteran in your community for their service.