Whereas the United States of America owes an immeasurable debt of gratitude to the brave men and women who have served in its Armed Forces, safeguarding liberties and upholding the democratic principles upon which the United States was founded; Whereas the country observes November 11 of each year as Veterans Day , a Federal holiday honoring the men and women who served and sacrificed for the United States of America; Whereas Texas boasts a proud tradition of producing remarkable veterans who make extraordinary contributions to society; Whereas Texas is home to more than 1,600,000 veterans; Whereas veterans comprise 15 percent of the population in the State of Texas; Whereas women comprise more than 11 percent of the total Texas veteran population; Whereas people of color comprise roughly one-third of the veterans in Texas; Whereas Texas has 11 veterans currently serving in the 118th Congress as Representatives for the Lonestar State; Whereas Texans have served with distinction in all military conflicts involving the United States of America, including World War I, World War II, the Korean war, the Vietnam war, Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom; Whereas more than 22,000 Texan lives were lost while serving in World War II; Whereas more than 1,000 Texan lives were lost while serving in the Korean War; Whereas more than 2,000 Texan lives were lost while serving in the Vietnam war; Whereas more than 100 Texan lives were lost while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom; Whereas more than 400 Texan lives were lost while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom; Whereas veterans across the country continue to face challenges in accessing essential resources supporting their successful transition to civilian life