Thank you, Veterans.
My maternal grandmother, Pearl Champagne, was the grandparent I was closest to.? I have many fond memories of the time we spent together, right up until she passed in 2018.? She loved to fish.? We would often talk about fishing, and we sure cooked a lot of fish together. I had always known she served in the U.S. Navy.? She told me stories of what it was like coming back from World War II, arriving in New York City on her way home to Luling, Louisiana.? How gracious the people were.....it just blew her away. I remember hearing other stories from her about the war, how some of her brothers were there, one of whom lost his life in action.? So, I knew others in her immediate family had served.? What we didn’t know, until after her passing, is that she was part of what is now designated as “The Most Military Family in America.”? My grandmother was one of 14 children, 12 of whom served in a branch of the United States military.? This national record, for the most siblings from the same two parents to have served in the military, was recognized in 2021 by the Louisiana State Senate. What an honor.? Today, I want to thank my family - my grandmother and 11 great uncles who served this great country.? We exist day-to-day, protected and secure, thanks to the selfless service and sacrifice of brave American citizens. Thank you to all those who have served, and to those who continue protecting our way of life.