Weekly Columns
This week marks 79 years since the devastating surprise attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, which former President Franklin D. Roosevelt called "the date which will live in infamy." It was this event that officially drew the United States into the Second World War. As we remember the 2,403 innocent Americans lost that day at Pearl Harbor, we also gratefully reflect on the millions more who courageously joined together to defend the United States and our allies and ultimately end the WWII conflict nearly four years later.
As the end of the year draws nearer, unfinished legislative work remains for lawmakers in both chambers of Congress. In the coming days and weeks, it is critically important that members come together to tackle the pressing work left to do.
Throughout American history, millions of brave men and women have selflessly answered the call to protect our freedom and preserve liberty by serving in the military. While numerous individuals have fought for the great cause of freedom, it wasn't until after World War I that the United States first set apart a special day just to say, "thank you." This week on Veterans Day, we honor and remember our veterans for their awe-inspiring display of courage, sacrifice and devotion.
American history was made recently on October 26, when Amy Coney Barrett was officially confirmed to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. With an outstanding educational background, remarkable career and spotless reputation, Justice Barrett is indeed the right person at the right time to fill the seat of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the highest court in the land.
While not all Americans are called to public service, each of us has a role to play in shaping and determining the direction of our country and our communities. With Election Day right around the corner and absentee voting already underway, I encourage you to exercise your precious right to vote and have a say in choosing who will represent you locally and nationally.
Looking back on the unprecedented events, hardships, challenges and losses we've navigated this year, certainly everyone would agree that 2020 has been a roller coaster experience none of us asked for or wanted. While it will take time to recover and find our way back to normal, I want to encourage you to remember that there is always reason to have hope in what the future can hold in America.