Operation Enduring Freedom Veterans Day October 7th
(Courtesy of Cpl. Jemssy Alvarez Jr. USMC/Wikipedia)
The U.S. Senate recently passed a resolution that designates October 7, 2012 as Operation Enduring Freedom Veterans Day. The resolution was introduced by U.S. Senators Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., and Mark Begich, D-Alaska, to honor the brave men and women who served and sacrificed for the United States in Operation Enduring Freedom.
U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andrew Koenig, a native of Casper, Wyo., initiated the process by contacting Senator Enzi. While serving in Afghanistan he was shot by a sniper, narrowly missing his forehead and hitting his helmet. He wanted this day to honor those still serving in Afghanistan.
Enzi in a news release says "we can’t forget that our men and women in uniform are still fighting for our freedom, and this this day recognizes the sacrifices of our Afghanistan veterans and their loved ones. It is a thank you from America for all of their service.”
October 7 marks the eleventh anniversary of the war, launched in response to the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001 against the United States. More than half a million American military members have served in Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. Some 2,000 men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice for American freedom.