EDITOR’S NOTE: Toledo Free Press invited several elected officials to share their thanks to past and present members of the U.S. military this July 4.
True level of respect
It is difficult for me to express thetrue level of respect I have for you. My appreciation of your selfless commitment to the safety and well-being of our country is not easily put into words.
I acknowledge you as “the guardians on the wall,” the brave men and women who knowingly put themselves in harm’s way for the greater good. And I salute yourcourage and dedication to duty in the service of the U.S. military.
I thank you wholeheartedly for your devotion to our county and our citizens. Your service will never go unrecognized or unappreciated.
Mike Bell, Mayor of Toledo
Sincere thanks
As we prepare to celebrate another Independence Day this July 4, it is with a tremendous amount of gratitude that I extend a thank you to all the men and women who have served
in the military both past and present. The dedication and sacrifice it takes to put the needs of your community and country above your own is the ultimate form of public service. Veterans and active military personnel who have chosen to make this sacrifice are worthy of the highest praise from their fellow citizens.
Once again, it is an honor and a privilege to be given this opportunity to sincerely thank all of those who have served.
Edna Brown, State Senator
To our veterans
With Memorial Day, the 68th anniversary of the D-Day invasion and the 237th birthday of the United States Army in recent months, it is my privilege to express my gratitude to our men and women of the United States Armed Services, and to our veterans of all conflicts, past and present.
As servicemembers from Ohio, you make our state proud. To those currently serving abroad, I wish you a safe deployment and a quick return to your families and loved ones. To our veterans, I hope you take comfort inthe respect and satisfaction that comes
with knowing that when your country asked for a few to carry the burden of many, you did so honorably.
Because of your sacrifices, Americans can live in perpetual promise of freedom, liberty, peace and security. As you serve our nation, know that you and your families are in the thoughts and prayers of all Americans.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I believe that supporting our veterans must be a clear and unmistakable priority. I will continue working to ensure that
veterans receive the health care and benefits they have earned. Thank you for all that you do for our nation, and may you have a safe and happy Fourth of July.
Sherrod Brown, U.S. Senator
Freedom is not free
We as citizens of this republic too often take for granted the freedoms we enjoy and the price which was paid sothat our quality of life exists. Our nation’s history is a chronicle of brave men and women who have served in defense of our republic and our Constitution.
Lest we never forget those who have given the last full measure of their devotion in that our freedom will continue. We must never forget the members of our armed forces, true Americans who have shed their blood by the millions for freedom, a freedom which stretches from the United States and
across the world. Semper Fi!
D. Michael Collins, Toledo City Council
Warmest wishes
The Board of Lucas County Commissioners extends our warmest wishes to the local brave men and women of the armed forces as well as veterans who have served in past conflicts. We appreciate the sacrifices they have made and continue to make to protect our freedom and to keep our country safe.
In Lucas County, we continually work hard to honor our local servicemen and women, past and present. Located at The Source in Downtown Toledo, the Lucas County Veterans Service Commission delivers crucial services for our veterans that can aid in difficult times by providing emergency aid and helping them to access benefits to which they are entitled through the U.S. Veterans Administration. Honorably discharged veterans can be issued a new veteran ID card at no cost. To date, over 1,000 ID cards have been issued and the number continues to grow.
As a token of our appreciation, each year we collaborate with community partners to host a free breakfast and resource fair for veterans, servicemen and women and their families on Veterans Day. Once again, this year’s breakfast will be held at University of Toledo’s Savage Arena on Veterans Day.
The men and women of the armed forces have sacrificed much to protect this country. We are pleased to honor the veterans who have served as well as active duty personnel who continue to defend our great nation.
Pete Gerken,
Tina Skeldon Wozniak,
Carol Contrada,
Lucas County Commissioners
Proud veteran
As a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Ohio National Air Guard, I would like to thank all our veterans for serving our country in a time of unprecedented need. Fifty years ago, President John F. Kennedy said, “In an age that threatens the survival of freedom,
we join together to honor those who made our freedom possible.”
To those that made our freedom possible, it strikes me that words alone cannot truly convey what needs to be said, but still I offer my sincerest thanks for the staunch patriotism of our veterans.
Teresa Fedor, State Rep.
Honorable service
Each day as we enjoy our freedoms in this country we should pause to remember those who have fought to protect them. As a Marine Corps veteran with two tours in Iraq, I am
grateful for veterans who came before me and led by example to pave the way for future generations of Americans. I am equally grateful for all of the brave men and women who continue to defend our nation at home and abroad.
The honorable service and sacrifice of our troops has made America a stronger and safer nation.
Josh Mandel, State Treasurer
Never forget
Our nation is one that was founded on immigrants. For me that has a personal note since my parents, Emanuel and Evangela Sarantou, came to America from Greece in 1920. It was the lure of the American Dream that brought them here and that dream would
not be possible were it not for our military.
Thank you to those who have served in our armed forces. As we approach this July 4, let us never forget how important our freedom is and how our military in the United States and overseas serves and protects us.
George Sarantou, Toledo City Council
Safe and speedy return
As the loving son of World War II veteran Robert J. Steel, I appreciate the sacrifices asked of all those called to military service. In his memory, I therefore honor all military personnel past and present and humbly thankeach of you. Your efforts and commitment are appreciated. A special note to those currently in uniform: On behalf of the nearly 300,000 Toledoans we are privileged to represent on Toledo City Council, know that you arein our thoughts, and to those deployed abroad, we wish you a safe and speedy
return to the land of the free.
Steve C. Steel, Toledo City Council
Special thanks
I am pleased to extend special thanks to the brave men and women who previously served and who currently serve in the United States military. Away from your home and family for extended periods of time, your many sacrifices are significant and are appreciated. By risking your lives for our protection, you represent the very best qualities that our nation has to offer.
Every year, we celebrate the Fourth of July and revel in the greatness of ourcountry. Our joy in celebrating this national holiday is made possible by your courageous efforts which protect our freedoms and ensure that the causes of life, liberty and equality continue to flourish.
We honor you for your courage, your skill, your tenacity and your unshakable commitment. Once again, thank you for your great sacrifice and honorable duty to our nation. It is with great pride that I commend you for your invaluable contributions and salute you as Ohio’s finest citizens.
Matthew Szollosi, State Rep.
Continued sacrifices
The Fourth of July is an American tradition in which families gather to spend time with each other and to reflect on our great nation. Throughout our history, the United States has persevered due to the strength of our men and women in uniform, both past and
present. Their efforts and their willingness to serve have enabled our nation to overcome countless difficulties, in both peacetime and in war.
This Fourth of July, I encourage you and your family to remember the continued sacrifices of our veterans and active duty members of the military. To our veterans and current members of our armed services, thank you for sacrifice.
Mark Wagoner, State Senator
Bastion of freedom
While many parts of the world are unsecure, one of the main reasons our nation remains a bastion of freedom is the 1 percent of Americans who servein the military. Those who have served in the past and those who currently serve in our armed forces, whether at home or abroad, deserve the support of 100 percent of Americans.Let us also remember to support our military families; without their sacrifices, our military would not beas strong as it is today. We salute you and thank you for your service.
Lindsay Webb , Toledo City Council
— Compiled by Brigitta Burks
