Honoring our Nation's Veterans
Statement
Honoring our Nation's Veterans
On November 11, our nation will have an opportunity to thank all those who served in the military as we commemorate Veterans Day. It is particularly important to express gratitude to our veterans at this time when so much is asked from our armed forces. Honoring our veterans has always been one of my highest priorities as the representative for Ohio's Third Congressional District.
Ohio's 3 rd congressional district is home to over 60,000 veterans. As a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I have been a strong advocate on behalf of our veterans to make certain that they have the services they need. I am proud of my recent effort to bring health screening services to Clinton and Highland counties after the Highland County outreach clinic was closed earlier this year. I worked with the Veterans Administration and with veterans' advocacy groups to stage a health fair where Clinton and Highland County veterans could receive basic health screenings and vaccinations. The success of this health fair has sent a strong message to the VA that there is a need for veterans care in Clinton and Highland Counties.
This October, the Dayton VA unveiled its newly-renovated Community Living Center. You may recall that a few years ago the nursing home was threatened with closure. I advocated on behalf of Miami Valley veterans to ensure that the nursing home remain open and that it would receive an additional $500,000 in funding. Today, this newly-renovated facility is still serving area veterans and their families.
On October 23, 2007, the House unanimously passed the Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention Act (HR 327). This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to develop and implement a comprehensive program that improves access to mental health services for veterans and returning service members. This legislation will help soldiers seeking treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder from the VA readjust to stateside duty after their exposure to combat. Support for our troops serving our country overseas should include a commitment to address their healthcare needs when they return. The bill recently cleared the Senate and is ready to be signed into law by the President.
You may be aware that on September 7, 2007 the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial was vandalized. The memorial contains the names of 58,000 American soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during their service. This month, the memorial will celebrate its 25 th anniversary. The House passed, with my support, a resolution (H.RES. 680) condemning the defacing of this memorial. This senseless act of vandalism is an affront to the honor and memory of these brave men and women who fought and died for our country. These soldiers deserve nothing less than our Nation's respect and gratitude.
Also this month, I joined many of my colleagues in cosponsoring a resolution supporting the right of families to permit a flag-folding recitation at military funerals. Recently, the Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration banned the recitation because there were objections to religious references during the ceremony. Expressions of faith at military funerals are consistent with our American traditions of freedom of religion and expression. This resolution puts this decision back into the hands of military families.
The sacrifices that our nation's veterans have made in defense of our nation and our freedoms deserve our respect and our gratitude. As the representative for the Third District of Ohio, I remain committed to ensuring that our veterans receive the best possible care and facilities that we can provide. Please join me on Veterans Day in thanking all veterans for their courage and remembering all those who have worn the uniform of the U.S. military.
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