[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 149 (Thursday, November 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2336]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING AMERICA'S VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 10, 2005

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, every year on November 11, 
the American people honor the men and women who have served and 
sacrificed for our Nation as members of the armed forces. The 
sacrifices of our veterans and their families are the foundation of our 
Nation's freedom. All Americans owe them a debt of gratitude for their 
service.
  Veterans Day is a national holiday for remembrance and appreciation. 
Whether a veteran served during WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, or 
have recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan, they have earned our 
respect. As a member of Congress, I feel strongly about honoring our 
veterans and their families. With over 25 million veterans in America, 
Congress must keep its promise to those veterans who have served, as 
well as those who will be returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. 
Providing the necessary healthcare, education, and disability benefits 
to meet the needs of our veterans is both a responsibility and a moral 
obligation.
  This Veterans Day, let us thank our family, friends and neighbors who 
have served our Nation in uniform. Their courage is to be celebrated. 
Their commitment to our Nation must be matched by a commitment from 
Congress to truly honor their service by guaranteeing the benefits they 
deserve.

                          ____________________