Last week, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., sent a letter to the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions recognizing their significant and historic role in World War II and thanking them for their work to protect our nation, our allies, our families and our freedoms. Scott visited Belgium and Luxembourg last month to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge and honor the soldiers who proudly served our nation during World War II, including the senator’s father.
Scott sent the following letter to the 82nd Airborne Division:
Dear 82nd Airborne Division:
Last month, I had the opportunity to visit Belgium and Luxembourg to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge and honor the sacrifices made by so many freedom-loving people in support of our allies. American soldiers – many of them just barely 18 – joined our Allies to free the world from the yoke of tyranny in some of the largest and bloodiest battles of World War II.
My father was one of those heroes, and completed all four World War II combat jumps with the 82nd Airborne. Growing up, my father rarely talked about the war or his mission. He only spoke of how lucky he was to return home, how proud he was to serve, and how he was willing to put his life in harm’s way to fight for freedom. My father’s bravery inspired me to join the Navy, and I proudly served our nation during the Vietnam War.
Since then, I’ve had the privilege to learn more about my father and his mission. I was always proud of him, but what I learned about what he and others had to do to defend our freedom, and the freedom of our allies, was awe-inspiring. I saw firsthand the gratitude the citizens of Belgium have for the sacrifice of the 82nd Airborne and all of our American soldiers.
You should be incredibly proud of your mission, and everything you do to protect our nation, our allies, our families and our freedoms.
Thank you for your service to this great nation. I applaud your bravery and courage, and I will always work to make sure the men and women of our armed forces have every resource needed to continue defending freedom across the globe. As a United States senator, and I will never lose sight of one of the most important roles I have: to protect and serve the families of our nation.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can ever be of service to you.
