MLF Pros Express Gratitude for Military Veterans
As we celebrate Veterans Day, we want to thank all of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces and made sacrifices to defend our great country. Because of our veterans, we have the freedom to fish, hunt, and do all the outdoor activities we love.
We reached out to some of the Major League Fishing pros and asked, “What Does Veterans Day Mean To You?” The anglers responded with several heartfelt statements.
Mark Davis with
his brother and father
MLF pro Mark Davis spends Veterans Day honoring those who served, including his father.
“My father served in the Army during WWII. He was in Patton’s Third Army and fought Nazi Germany in Germany, France, and Italy. He later served during the Korean War for two more years. My father was one of thousands of Americans who have served to protect our rights and freedoms that we enjoy today. We can never repay our veterans for all they have given to this great nation,” Davis said.
MLF pro James Watson is an Army veteran who served for eight and a half years. During his last two years in the Army, he was a drill sergeant for basic combat training. For Watson, Veterans Day is a day of remembrance.
“This day makes me take special notice of the sacrifice that so many made voluntarily, like my grandpa’s. I especially think of them. Serving in the Armed Forces is a lifestyle that so many never even grasp,” Watson said. “Thank you to all those that have served and that are currently serving to protect our liberties & freedom. God bless America!”
MLF pro Paul Elias said, “When I think of Veterans Day I think about all the men and women that have sacrificed their lives for this great country.”
Elias is one of the newest MLF pros who will be fishing the MLF Bass Pro Tour in 2019.
“The Lord blessed me with a wonderful way to make a living and I am thankful for that. I realize that none of this would be possible if it was not for our great military veterans and our active military personnel that protect this great nation near and far every day. God bless all of them and their families,” Elias said.
Like Elias, Alton Jones understands that we live in the “Land of the Free” because of the brave men and women who serve.
“I get to go bass fishing and I get paid to do it. Is this a great country, or what? But without the selfless sacrifice of America’s Veterans, none of us would have the freedoms that we so openly enjoy every single day. When I see a veteran, I see somebody full of patriotism, full of honor, full of courage, full of bravery, full of integrity,” Jones said.
MLF pros Andy Montgomery and Ott DeFoe were short and sweet as they summed up their respect for America’s veterans.
“Respect. Just a tremendous amount of respect. It’s hard on me being away from my little girl for two weeks. These men and women are gone for months. Respect,” Montgomery said.
DeFoe said, “Veterans Day is about remembering those who have done and are doing so much for our country. These selfless people sacrifice so much for all Americans and we are forever thankful.”
Mark Rose explained that he feels pride when he hears our national anthem.
“I’ll never take our freedom for granted. If you feel the same way, join me in standing tall and proud when our nation’s anthem is played, a veteran may be watching. And when we see a veteran, let’s thank them for their service, it will make their day,” Rose said.
From everyone at Major League Fishing, we want to thank everyone who is serving and everyone who has served. Happy Veterans Day, we truly appreciate your service to this great country.