Statement of U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) In Commemoration of Veterans Day
Today, U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek issued the following statement in commemoration of Veterans Day, which falls on Tuesday, November 11, 2008:
"As we honor and pay tribute to the heroic efforts of the brave men and women who have honorably served our nation, it is my hope that we continue to remember that caring for those who bore the brunt of war, and their families, remains our moral obligation, a solemn promise and responsibility that must not go unfulfilled.
"Veterans Day is a day of remembrance and rededication for the more than 24 million veterans, brave men and women who have served our country in uniform. Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coastguardsmen who defend America in peacetime and wartime. Throughout history, these selfless men and women have brought dignity to the uniform they wear, and honor to this nation they so proudly defend.
"Though the newest generation of veterans is currently serving so honorably in Afghanistan and Iraq--despite the most challenging of circumstances and hardships--there are many World War II, Korean, Vietnam and first Gulf War veterans facing challenges they never would have anticipated here in the United States. This Democratic Congress is taking America in a New Direction to ensure that we keep our covenant to care for veterans both aging and young and their families."