On Veterans Day, I must pay tribute to members of my family who have given so much and sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms and to protect this great country of ours.

My father Paul Dinelli and my Uncle Pete Dinelli, for whom I was named after, both served in the US Army during World War II when the United States went to war with Italy, Germany and Japan. My Uncle Pete Dinelli was killed in action and my father Paul Dinelli was a disabled American Veteran. My uncles Fred Fresques and Alex Fresques, my mother’s two brothers, also saw extensive combat in World War II and saw action they refused to talk about to anyone. My father in law, George W. Case served in the US Navy during World War II, saw action, and was so proud of his service that he wore a WW II Veterans cap every day the last few years of his life.

My nephew Dante Dinelli served 20 + years in the US Navy and retired as a Master Chief Officer serving with distinction. My two nephews, Matthew Barnes and Brandon Barnes are both currently Captains in the United States Marine Corps. My nephew Brandon is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and my nephew Matthew has served in Afghanistan.

To all of the wonderful and courageous men and women who have served and continue to serve our country to protect and secure all of our freedoms and the ideals upon which the United States was founded upon, and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, I thank you for your service to our Country. Your service and sacrifices will never be forgotten. God bless you all and may God bless this great country of ours.