Say Thank You to a Veteran
November 11, 2009
Today, and all days, reach out and thank a veteran.
At 11 am (Paris time) on November 11, 1918, the armistice ending the hostilities of World War I went into affect. Even though the actual signing of the armistice took place around 5 am, the events of that day are still referred to as occurring on the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.”
On May 13, 1938 an Act of Congress made November 11th an official national holiday as Armistice Day to remember the veterans who had fought in World War I. After World War II had caused an even greater mobilization of troops than World War I, and after the hostilities on the Korean Peninsula, veterans organizations across the country encouraged Congress to amend Armistice Day and rename it Veterans Day. On June 1, 1954 the new legislation went into effect and has been known as Veterans Day ever since.
It is important for us never to forget the reason Veterans Day came about, and those who fought and died to preserve freedom in the early part of the 20th century. However, as a nation we have committed troops into harms way in countless actions since the birth of the nation. Today, each and every one of us should take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by our veterans.
As a 30-year veteran with combat experience I understand the sacrifices that veterans and their families make, so that we all may be free here at home. We should always be thankful for our veterans, but today especially, remember the sacrifices made by all veterans, both past and present, the ones that returned and the ones that made the ultimate sacrifice, so that we may be free. —Ben Loyola
Congratulations Delegate-elect Ron Villanueva
Last Tuesday, November 3rd was a great day to be a Republican. For the first time since 1997, the Republican Party managed to sweep the top three offices and are now awaiting the inauguration of Governor Bob McDonnell and the swearing in of Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.
The Republican Party also managed to pick up 5 seats in the House of Delegates for a 58-39 (with 2 independents) Republican majority in the Virginia House of Delegates. However, for those who are doing the math, this left 1 seat still in limbo on election night with Virginia Beach City Councilman Ron Villanueva clinging to a 16 vote lead.
Well, it’s official! While there still will be a recount, the Virginia Beach Registrar’s Office reported the official results to the State Board of Elections last night, declaring Ron Villanueva the winner by a margin of 13 votes.
We all remain confident that after the recount Virginia Beach will be back to a full Republican delegation and that Ron will join Chris Stolle in the General Assembly in January when they take their seats as the next delegates from the 21st and 83rd districts, respectively.
Congratulations to Bob, Bill, Ken, Chris, Ron and all our returning Republican members!
Ben Loyola is a candidate for the Republican nomination in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District. He’s a 25-year resident of Virginia Beach, 30-year Navy combat veteran, successful businessman, and Conservative Republican.
