Today, we honor and celebrate Veterans who have courageously served our country. The freedoms we enjoy every single day is all because of them.

SC-05 ought to recognize one of the greatest heroes our country has ever seen in combat - our fellow constituent, Major James Capers, Jr. After finding a home in the Marine Corps, he became the first African American to get a battlefield commission in the Marine Corps Force Recon and was promoted from Staff Sergeant to Second Lieutenant, giving him control over the unit.

Between the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and countless other medals, Major James Capers, Jr. exemplifies what it truly means to be a hero-it is not the medals, but someone who stands face to face with adversity and is willing to sacrifice his own life for those of his brothers in Christ.

Today and every day, we thank and honor Veterans.