[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 168 (Friday, November 4, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2011]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF VETERANS DAY

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 4, 2011

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor America's 
veterans, who have courageously served our nation. These brave men and 
women deserve a debt of gratitude for their commitment to protecting 
the liberties that are the foundation of our country.
  As we recognize their selfless dedication and accomplishments, we 
must be reminded of the challenges many veterans face when returning 
home from tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Unfortunately, upon returning 
to civilian life, many suffer from severe physical and mental wounds. 
In fact, 20 percent of all suicides in the United States are veterans. 
Furthermore, 25 percent of those who find themselves homeless are 
veterans and many of them are also unemployed. These figures are 
extremely alarming and quite frankly, unacceptable.
  Mr. Speaker, as we welcome home the thousands of American troops 
currently deployed overseas, we must ensure that they receive the 
benefits they rightly deserve. It is imperative that we provide the 
very best educational, medical, and employment benefits available to 
assist with their transition back home.
  On this day, I encourage all Americans to honor our nation's 
veterans. My thoughts and prayers are with those brave men and women 
and their families. Let us remember those who have fought, those who 
have returned, and those who have not. We are forever indebted to their 
courage and dedication as well as their service to this great nation.

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