Washington, D.C. - Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) released the following statement today in observance of Veterans Day tomorrow, November 11:
“On this Veterans Day, we pause to remember the sacrifices made by all the brave men and women of our armed forces. When they are called to service, our soldiers have answered the call and defended our country with honor. Supporting the bravest among us, not only by honoring them on one day of the year, but also by providing for them on the field and when they return from battle – that should be our mission.
“Last Spring, I visited our troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan and was moved and inspired by their commitment and determination. I think of them now as we celebrate Veterans Day and how we are creating a new generation of veterans who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
“While Memorial Day commemorates the lives of those who died in service to our country, Veterans Day pays tribute to those who are living. We have sent thousands of troops into Iraq and Afghanistan. Our government must be accountable for the promises it makes to the young men and women who serve our country in this way. Military retirees – who spent a career in uniform to defend our freedoms – are not asking for handouts; they are only asking for what was promised to them. Last year, I introduced the Keep Our Promises to America’s Military Retirees Act (H.R. 3474), a bill to restore earned and promised health care coverage to retired members of the uniformed services.
“During the next Congress, I will stand ready to move forward with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and provide all the support our veterans and military retirees have earned. We should not abandon our fight for America’s veterans. On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, we should make it our pledge to leave no veteran behind.”