[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Page 24244]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           VETERANS DAY, 2004

  Mr. GRAHAM of Florida. Mr. President, it is vital that we pause to 
remember Veterans Day, which was observed by this Nation last week. 
While our brave troops are protecting our freedom around the world, it 
is especially important that we honor those who have served before 
them. We owe our 25 million living veterans our heartfelt appreciation 
for answering the call to duty and serving this Nation in the United 
States Armed Forces. And, this Nation must never forget the ultimate 
sacrifice paid by so many of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines.
  Today, as it should be, military service is being held in high 
regard. The ongoing events in Afghanistan and Iraq have renewed 
America's sense of gratitude toward the men and women of the Armed 
Forces for the great sacrifices they make everyday on behalf of our 
Nation. I personally want to thank all of our veterans and members of 
the Armed Forces for their selfless service to this country.
  As we observe Veterans Day, let us remember that we owe our veterans 
our honor and respect year around. It would be truly shameful if 
veterans felt forgotten except for this one day per year. There must be 
no wavering in our commitment toward those who served in the United 
States Armed Forces.
  I am proud to represent the State of Florida. Florida has one of the 
highest veteran populations in the country. I am fortunate to represent 
not only the almost 2 million veterans of Florida, but veterans all 
over this Nation. It has been my sincere pleasure and honor to serve as 
ranking member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for these past 2 
years, and it is my hope that my term on the Committee has benefited 
those men and women who have sacrificed and served on behalf of this 
grateful Nation.
  Throughout my tenure on this committee, I have fought very hard for 
improvements in benefits and services to veterans. I constantly think 
of Abraham Lincoln's pledge, ``to care for him who shall have borne the 
battle and for his widow and his orphans.'' It is especially fitting 
that in the shadow of Veterans Day comes the passage of important 
veterans health and benefits legislation by both Chambers of Congress. 
We must continue to advance benefits and health care for our Nation's 
bravest individuals and their families. This recently passed 
legislation will improve and expand a host of veterans benefits, 
including: survivors benefits for spouses with dependent children; 
housing benefits; and educational benefits for Guard and Reserve 
members, veterans, and spouses of veterans killed on active duty. I am 
proud of this legislation and hope that future Congresses continue to 
provide veterans with a wide array of necessary benefits and services 
and strive to meet their evolving needs. Our veterans deserve no less.
  On Veterans Day, and everyday, we should honor those who have worn 
the uniforms of our Nation. They are the best of the best.

                          ____________________