This Saturday, our nation will be reflecting on an incredible milestone: the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. For two and a half centuries, the men and women of the U.S. Army have fought on the frontlines to defend freedom. Their sacrifice and commitment is what keeps America a strong and free country for all.  

Right here in our district, we are blessed to have many heroes who embody the Army’s legacy, and I am honored to share two of their stories with you today. 

The first is Aguinaldo “Aggie” Thomas, who will reach an extraordinary milestone of his own next month— his 100th birthday. Mr. Thomas served our nation in World War II as a Private First Class in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. He contributed to the Volcano and Ryukyu Islands campaign towards the end of the war in 1945, which was a period of critical battles between the Japanese and Allied forces. Inducted into the U.S. Army on October 27, 1943, Mr. Thomas served with distinction until his honorable discharge on April 30, 1946. After his service, he built a life centered on faith, family, and community. He was married to his beloved wife, Ella-Mae, for an incredible 76 years until her passing last May. Today, he lives with his daughter and son-in-law in Stuart, and he continues to inspire those around him.

Another hero is Mr. Richard Rossi, also a World War II veteran, who served with General Patton’s Third Army in the 1301st Engineers and later in the 3rd Special Service Entertainment Group. Mr. Rossi’s service supported the Allied forces' advancement through northern Europe by securing infrastructure for combat. His valor during his duty earned him four Bronze Stars and the French Legion of Honor Medal for his distinguished service. While we are honored to be able to celebrate these milestones with Mr. Rossi, so many never made the trip back home. Years after the war, Mr. Rossi traveled back to the American cemetery in Normandy, France to honor his fallen friend, Bob Bailey, who gave his life in the fight for our freedom. As Richard so powerfully put it, “Heroes don’t wear capes—they wear dog tags.” 

Let us take this moment to honor heroes like Aggie Thomas, Richard Rossi, and every soldier who has answered the call to serve. May we always remember their service, honor their sacrifice, and always strive to live worthy of the freedom they fought to protect.