Every November 11, we come together as a nation to recognize our men and women in uniform and pay gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

In fact, this special day was started in Emporia by Al King with the help of U.S. Rep. Ed Rees – and signed into law as a federal holiday by Kansas’ own President Dwight D. Eisenhower on May 26, 1954.

Over 63 years later, this particular Veterans Day marks a special tribute to the Supreme Commander of the Allied forces, the man who saved western democracy, and served as leader of the free world at the summit of historic prosperity and peace, Dwight D. Eisenhower. As Chairman of the Eisenhower Memorial Commission, I’m pleased to announce that we finally broke ground last week on the national memorial in his honor.

Kansans have a strong tradition of honoring our nation’s veterans, and this memorial keeps with that tradition, giving our World War II veterans a place to pay tribute to their commander, as well as a place for future generations to learn about the sacrifices of the Greatest Generation and the impact President and General Eisenhower has had on our nation. Eisenhower now joins the ranks of just a few presidents who have a permanent memorial along the national mall.

This memorial is not just to honor one single person, but also serves as a symbol for all generations of the greatness of America and what our values have made possible at home and abroad. Last week’s groundbreaking ceremony was filled with Kansas pride and heroes. We were joined by World War II veterans, including Floyd Renken of Downs, Kansas, who served in the Army Air Corps on D-Day under Ike’s command. In another nod to Ike’s military roots, First Captain of the West Point Corps of Cadets Simone Askew gave a motivating speech about what Eisenhower meant to West Point and our armed forces today.

Our nation would not be recognizing this sacrifice as we do today had it not been for a group of dedicated Kansas patriots, like Eisenhower, who changed the course of history and then rallied the nation to create a Veterans Day as a day to pay tribute to all those who serve our nation.

Throughout history, our military men and women have stepped forward to answer the call to duty. From the time of the Declaration of Independence, to the Greatest Generation, to the latest generation, we remain the nation we are thanks to the many brave Americans serving in our military, with courage and resolve in the face of overwhelming odds.

So from this Kansas Marine to all of those that have worn the uniform: thank you again for your selfless and honorable contributions to our communities, our state and a grateful nation. Semper Fi.