Celebrating Our Veterans

CELEBRATING OUR VETERANS -- (House of Representatives - November 10, 2005)

(Mr. PRICE of Georgia asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)

Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow we celebrate Veterans Day to honor America's most courageous men and women of the past and the present. In conflicts around the world, those serving in our military protect our country and safeguard the values that Americans hold dear: safety and freedom and democracy.

The Defense Department has a program allowing a recorded phone call so that soldiers from my district serving overseas can listen to it and then contact me. The opinions of those serving our country are so very important, and I encourage all Members of Congress to participate in this program.

Veterans Day is often marked by parades. However, we in Congress must remember that the celebration of our veterans is more than just a once-a-year event. Over the past 5 years, we have increased benefits to veterans by over $20 billion, from the GI Bill to VA home loan guarantees to benefits for disabled veterans, widows, and dependents.

However, dollars and cents cannot measure the sacrifice of our soldiers. We enjoy our freedoms today because of what they do every day of every year. To those who have served, a grateful Nation says thank you.

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