Grassley Thanks Veterans Ahead of Veterans Day and Marks 250th Marine Corps Anniversary

Floor Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Senate President Pro Tempore “Recognizing Veterans Day and the United States Marine Corps 250 th Anniversary” Thursday, November 6, 2025 VIDEO Today, I come to the floor, ahead of next Tuesday, which is Veterans Day, to recognize and share my gratitude to those who have all answered the call to serve the United States of America. November the 11th is the federal holiday that we observe as Veterans Day. It has not always been referred to as Veterans Day. Its origins come from the term “Armistice Day,” the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month which marked the end of World War I. The holiday is often marked by tributes and other ceremonies to show our gratitude to our family, friends and neighbors who have served. In honor of Veterans Day, my office typically hosts a Veterans History Project event to collect stories from Iowa veterans and submit those stories to the Library of Congress to honor those individuals and their service for generations to come. Also so that researchers can hear the exact words spoken from the mouths of those veterans of what war is all about. To date, I have submitted 95 stories from Iowa veterans to the Library of Congress. There are more Iowa veterans who wish to share their story, and I look forward to continuing my efforts to preserve those stories. Normally, it would be this weekend at some major city in Iowa [where] I would ask veterans together so we can record their memories. Obviously, with the government shutdown, that isn’t possible for my staff to do it. But we will continue that as long as I serve in the United States Senate. I’d also like to recognize that this year, the day before Veterans Day marks the 250th anniversary of the United States Marines. On November the 10th, 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the Marine Corps. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a brother who served in the Marines and World War II. I have had a grandson in the Marines in the last 10 years. For the last 250 years, the Marine Corps has faithfully defended our nation with a distinct fighting spirit, and I’m confident that the Marines will continue to do that. Thank you for our dedicated Marines and thank you to all veterans. -30-