Hoyer Honors America's Heroes on Veterans Day
“Today we celebrate Veterans Day by honoring the millions of brave men and women who have risked their lives for our country. Americans across the nation will spend this Veterans Day saying a prayer of gratitude for our soldiers who have protected our democracy.
“This Veterans Day comes at a time of unprecedented global threats to our nation’s security, and on the heels of the 2,000th U.S. soldier killed in Iraq, including 31 from Maryland. Like all Americans, I mourn the loss of these brave patriots. We must also take the time to recognize the more than 15,000 troops who have been wounded in this war, and wish them a full and speedy recovery.
“With these losses, it is more important than ever that we fulfill our responsibility as a nation to our veterans. The most pressing need, according to nearly every veterans group, is health care. With more guardsmen and reservists deployed now than at any other time in history, the obligation to provide our veterans with adequate care has never been stronger.
“I am proud that Democrats continue to lead the fight for veterans’ health care. This past summer, Democrats introduced the New GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century. This legislation would increase our investment in health care, education, and jobs for veterans, and meet the needs of America’s military families.
“Maryland is home to nearly half-a-million veterans, and almost three thousand Marylanders are now serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our state is forever grateful for their sacrifice.
“Since our nation’s founding, America’s safety, strength, and freedom have rested securely on the shoulders our troops. Their sacrifice of service is considerable, and we are eternally grateful for their patriotism. It’s time that we ensure that our troops receive the same quality of care that they so selflessly provided to our country. On this Veterans Day, I salute America’s bravest, and pledge to honor their courage by fighting for the services they have earned.”
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