Recognizing the One Year Anniversary of The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the one year anniversary of the dedication of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, a permanent reminder of the enduring sacrifices of our nation's veterans. The memorial was dedicated on October 5, 2014 to honor the more than 3.6 million men and women currently living with service-related disabilities.

As a result of their service, many veterans are left permanently injured, ill or disabled. These men and women must face the challenges of living with visible and invisible burdens every day. Nearly 20 years ago, my friend and constituent Ms. Lois Pope, asked Art Wilson, National Adjutant of the Disabled American Veterans, if there is a place in Washington, D.C. where we honor disabled veterans. When Art responded that there was no such thing, Ms. Pope replied, ``We need to change that.'' Years later, thanks to the tireless work of Ms. Pope and the rest of the advocates at the Disabled Veterans' Life Memorial Foundation, this monument now ensures that we will never forget the sacrifices made by members of the United States Armed Forces.

I would also like to recognize broad support across Congress for honoring disabled veterans on October 5th of each year. The anniversary of the memorial's dedication provides an opportunity to express appreciation for the men and women who suffer from service-connected disabilities and to recognize their enduring struggles. Today, October 5, 2015, a screening of the documentary film ``Debt of Honor'' in Washington, D.C. will depict the realities of living with wartime sacrifices. This film will debut on national television on November 10th on PBS.
As the mother of a veteran myself, I want to thank all of the veterans living with disabilities for their sacrifices and assure them that they will not be forgotten.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source