November 11, 2018

Greetings,

Monday marked the first anniversary of the horrific attack on the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs. One year ago, America mourned the 26 innocent lives taken by a madman that Sunday morning. But the light of providence shone through dark clouds. We celebrated the heroism of Stephen Willeford and Johnnie Langendorff, who chased down and stopped the murderer. We prayed with the survivors, and their countrymen came together to offer aid and solace. We honored the strength and leadership of survivors like Pastor Frank Pomeroy, who lost his own daughter that terrible day, but summoned the grace and courage to comfort his congregation.

The memorial tower of the new First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs will be a lasting home for the bell of the old church. When it rings out for future generations, it will make a joyful noise: one of remembrance, of victory, and of trust that a joy deeper than our understanding blooms in the midst of sorrow.

This Veterans Day, we pause to honor the selfless service and unyielding courage of the men and women of our Armed Forces. We say ‘thank you’ to every brave soldier, sailor, airman, marine, and coast guardsman who pledge themselves to the defense of our nation, our Constitution, and our way of life.

The Lone Star State is home to 1.6 million veterans, and our home has a rich tradition of military service. From Fort Bliss to Red River Army Depot, from Sheppard Air Force Base to Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas is proud to stand as a pillar in America’s national security.

Today, we especially honor the memory of millions of Americans, including 200,000 Texans, who served in World War I, a conflict of such devastation that its victorious end became a national holiday eventually dedicated to all Veterans: Armistice Day. On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918, the last guns of the Western Front went silent. One hundred years later, the sacrifice of those who sang ‘we won't come back ‘til it's over, over there’ resounds across the ages, answered with gratitude and fond remembrance in every American heart.

Please read below for an update from this last week.

Keep Texas Strong,

Ted Cruz

Sen. Cruz issued a statement commemorating the first anniversary of the horrific attack on the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, and the resilience and courage shown by the community in the face of evil. Read more...

The full press releases may be viewed here.