Weekly Column: A Veteran's Day Message from Congressman Canseco

Statement

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

Those words, spoken on the very first Armistice Day in 1919 by President Wilson, express the honor befitting the men and women that have served as well as the eternal appreciation of a nation indebted to their service. This Friday, nearly a century later, our nation will be celebrating Veteran's Day.

Today, Veteran's Day holds true to the purpose of honoring America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to sacrifice for the common good. These humble heroes represent the best that America has to offer and we must show them the admiration and honor they deserve for devoting themselves to protecting the United States and freedom around the world.

On this day Americans of every generation pay homage to those who have fought to defend liberty and freedom for future generations of Americans. Here in the House of Representatives, I have worked hard to protect our Nation's veterans by supporting the Defense Authorization and both the Defense and Veterans Appropriations bills that recognize the hardships and sacrifices our men and women in uniform - and their families - make to defend our freedom by authorizing and appropriating a much needed military pay increase. To help our veterans, I've supported legislation authorizing a cost of living increase for those veterans receiving disability compensation for service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors. Although the nation is facing a fiscal crisis, I believe there are better places to cut spending than funding for our nation's active duty troops and veterans.

Just as our veterans have honored us with their service, we must honor promises we made to our veterans as they entered the theatre of war on our behalf. We promised them that if they defended us, we would take care of them. Unfortunately, the dire economy and high unemployment have left many of our brave veterans wondering what to do when they return from completing their service. There are many services available to our veterans and a grateful nation will ensure our military continues to receive whatever is needed, whether in the field or upon their return. As President Calvin Coolidge said, "the nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten."

This Veteran's Day I am proud to honor those men and women who defend America, and I am proud to let them know that they can count on my office to help them with veteran's benefits ranging from education to healthcare.

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