OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Expressing Support for the Goals of Veterans Educate Today's Students (VETS) Day

Floor Speech

Date: Nov. 5, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Veterans Education


EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE GOALS OF VETERANS EDUCATE TODAY'S STUDENTS (VETS) DAY -- (House of Representatives - November 05, 2007)

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Mr. PALLONE. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, as we approach Veterans Day on November 11 of this month, I want to say a few words about why I introduced House Concurrent Resolution 60 which, as you know, expresses support for the goals of Veterans Educate Today's Students Day, or VETS Day.

Throughout our Nation's history, millions of men and women have served the U.S. in times of need as members of the armed services, and these veterans and their families have made sacrifices that should not be forgotten with the passage of time. In the U.S., hundreds of memorials and monuments stand to honor those who have served in the armed services. While these tributes help remind Americans of the great sacrifices that were made to protect our freedoms, they can't educate today's youth the way actual veterans can.

The VETS Day essentially would urge teachers and civic leaders to organize events and forums where students can interact with America's veterans.

H. Con. Res. 60 would encourage schools to set aside a portion of the day in November to allow veterans to answer students' questions while conveying important stories and lessons about their service. I actually have participated in these kinds of programs in my own district, Mr. Speaker; and I know how valuable they can be.

At a time when the men and women of our armed services are in harm's way, we should be educating today's students on the sacrifices these brave men and women make every day. The children of our Nation will benefit from programs that provide education about veterans and instill a patriotic appreciation of the sacrifices made by veterans to defend freedom and protect the interests of our Nation.

Again, I think the most important thing is hearing firsthand accounts from veterans themselves, and that is the best way that students can better understand veterans' service and sacrifice. Again, I want to thank the chairman for his assistance and urge swift passage of this resolution.

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