While some chose to use the fifth anniversary of Operation Iraqi freedom to protest the war (video here), and some chose to use the occasion to further their political agendas, others chose to use the occasion to honor our state's veterans. The Tulsa World is reporting, "Hundreds of veterans -- many in wheelchairs or walking with the aid of canes -- crowded into the state House gallery with members of their families for a joint session of the House and Senate that marked the fifth anniversary of the United States' invasion of Iraq." House Speaker Chris Benge (R-Tulsa) said:

Our country is currently at war once again. Today is in fact the first day of the sixth year our country has been fighting in Iraq. [Noting that 72 Oklahomans have died in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, 64 in Iraq alone. In addition, 521 have been wounded in action] When America was in danger, you were the first to respond to the danger. Americans are a peace-seeking people, but that peace has been achieved through strength in times of international conflict, and that strength can only be projected because of your willingness to put your lives on the line.

The Norman Transcript reports:

Pete Peterson, chairman of the veterans council, says there are about 365,000 veterans in Oklahoma. Peterson says they pump about $1.7 billion into the state's economy each year.

Peterson says Oklahoma veterans have the best benefit package in the nation because of the support they receive from state lawmakers. The state operates seven veterans centers that provide housing and health care for veterans.

Labels: military

Posted at 3/20/2008 07:16:00 AM