VFW Post 3278 along with the Ladies and Men’s Auxiliary hosted a welcome home dinner for the veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and their families on Wednesday.

The celebration was not only in recognition of their safe return but to recognize that Sunday, October 7, 2012 was designated to honor of men and women still fighting in Afghanistan.  The U.S. Senate designated October 7th Operation Enduring Freedom Veterans Day.  A bill was introduced by Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal, Wyoming Senator Mike Enzi, New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte, and Alaska Senator Mark Begich.

The bill began when U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andrew Koenig of Wyoming contacted Enzi, saying he wanted that day to honor the men and women still serving in Afghanistan.

“A grateful nation thanks the heroes of Operation Enduring Freedom for their bravery, service, and sacrifice and that of their families,” said Blumenthal in a press release. “This resolution honors the brave men and women who served in Operation Enduring Freedom for stepping forward when their country needed them and achieving the mighty task that is the namesake of their mission.”

“We can’t forget that our men and women in uniform are still fighting for our freedom,” said Enzi in the statement. “This day recognizes the sacrifices of our Afghanistan veterans and their loved ones. It is a thank you from America for all of their service.”

“This resolution affirms our deep gratitude to the thousands of American service members who have served in Afghanistan. They have carried out their missions with courage, perseverance, and skill,” said Ayotte, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, in the release. “We must never forget their sacrifices – nor the sacrifices of their loved ones – in answering the call of duty. I join Americans in thanking our military men and women for their brave service and dedication to advancing the cause of freedom.”

“October 7, 2001 marked the beginning of the end for insurgent forces in Afghanistan intent on terrorist activities both there and abroad,” said Begich in the release. “This resolution honors those dedicated men and women who have fought and sacrificed so that others may realize a life of freedom and democracy.”

Oct. 7 will mark 11 years since the war started. Over 500,000 American military members have served in the war, and over 2,000 have given their lives.