Honoring America's Veterans

HONORING AMERICA'S VETERANS -- HON. BETTY McCOLLUM (Extensions of Remarks - November 10, 2005)

HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Thursday, November 10, 2005

Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, every year on November 11, the American people honor the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our Nation as members of the armed forces. The sacrifices of our veterans and their families are the foundation of our Nation's freedom. All Americans owe them a debt of gratitude for their service.

Veterans Day is a national holiday for remembrance and appreciation. Whether a veteran served during WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, or have recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan, they have earned our respect. As a member of Congress, I feel strongly about honoring our veterans and their families. With over 25 million veterans in America, Congress must keep its promise to those veterans who have served, as well as those who will be returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. Providing the necessary healthcare, education, and disability benefits to meet the needs of our veterans is both a responsibility and a moral obligation.

This Veterans Day, let us thank our family, friends and neighbors who have served our Nation in uniform. Their courage is to be celebrated. Their commitment to our Nation must be matched by a commitment from Congress to truly honor their service by guaranteeing the benefits they deserve.

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