Statement: Veterans Day Statement by Congressman Gerry Connolly

Statement

The debt we owe to our 23 million veterans and our 2 million service members in uniform is impossible to repay, but we, as a nation, must do our best to try.

Today, in homes across Northern Virginia, the Commonwealth, and the nation, family members will reflect on their loved ones serving our country in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other duty locations across the globe.

The families of the more than 6,000 military men and women killed in action in these two wars, and those who died in service to our nation in wars past, will remember their loved ones who left too soon.

And in the households of many of the 46,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans wounded in war, families will continue to grapple with the complex issues they face as their wounded warriors heal.

In recent years, we have strived to improve how our nation treats its veterans, from the health services they need to the benefits and recognition they deserve for their service. But there is still more to do.

Too many veterans cannot find jobs upon their return. Homelessness among veterans is increasing. And the brain injuries and post traumatic stress suffered by tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan is a serious concern that needs further attention.

There is no tribute and no words that we, as Americans, can offer to truly recognize the sacrifice and service of our veterans who put their lives on the line in all American conflicts fought to protect freedom and liberty. However, we can do our best to show them respect, honor their service, and support efforts to make sure the resources they need are available to them now and in the years to come. And let us not forget the military families. Too often we forget the sacrifices and stresses that military spouses and children must make to support their loved ones' service to our nation.

To the nearly 80,000 veterans who live in the 11th Congressional District, the more than 200,000 who reside in Northern Virginia, the more than 820,000 veterans and their families who call the Commonwealth of Virginia their home, and the 23 million veterans across the United States, I join with our fellow citizens to say thank you for your service to our country.

As I continue to represent the 11th Congressional District of Virginia in the House of Representatives, I want to assure every veteran, every service member, and every military family that I will continue to work to make sure this nation's commitment to you is as strong as the commitment you made on behalf of the American people.

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