[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 154 (Thursday, November 8, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S11604]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              VETERANS DAY

  Mr. SPECTER. Madam President, Sunday is Veterans Day, a day dedicated 
to honoring the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces 
of this great Nation. Over 26 million men and women living today have 
answered their Nation's call to defend the ideals, values, and 
liberties we Americans hold dear.
  This Sunday will mark the 63rd anniversary of the creation of the 
first official holiday honoring veterans who, like my father, Harry 
Specter, served in World War I. Unfortunately, it will also mark the 3-
month anniversary of the horrific attacks of September 11, attacks 
which were directed at the same ideals, values, and liberties millions 
of Americans have fought so bravely to defend. As ranking member of the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I wish to express my deepest gratitude 
and appreciation to the veterans of wars past--and to those who are 
engaged today in fighting this new war against terrorism.
  I am proud of what has been accomplished in Congress in recent years 
to honor America's veterans. We have expanded educational benefits, 
improved life insurance coverage, and opened new national cemeteries. 
And we have worked hard to increase funding for VA medical care. We 
intend to build on these accomplishments with further improvements in 
VA services and benefits. I thank my colleagues for their past support, 
and I urge them to continue in their steadfast support for veterans. 
Very few things we do here are more important.
  Whereas Memorial Day is dedicated to remembering those who made the 
ultimate sacrifice for their country, Veterans Day is dedicated to 
acknowledging the commitment and devotion to duty millions of former 
soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines made to this great Nation. 
Veterans are the best of America--people who, through sacrifice, 
dedication, and love of country, protected our freedoms, liberties, and 
way of life. This Sunday I ask every American to join me in honoring 
them. I also ask that we take a moment to acknowledge and thank the 
warriors of today who are the veterans of tomorow.

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