Congressman David Wu (OR01) - Press Releases - Wu Gives Veterans' Day Address At Camp Rilea

Warrenton, OR-- Today Congressman David Wu joined 400 veterans at Camp Rilea in Warrenton, Oregon to commemorate Veterans' Day. The event focused on the 200th Bicentennial of Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and the Corps of Discovery, several of our nation's earliest veterans.

Congressman Wu also announced legislation he has introduced to support veteran service officers who work in rural counties. The legislation would provide states with funding to train more veteran service officers for rural counties.

In rural counties, veteran service officers are a veteran's primary resource for information and assistance regarding federal and state veteran benefit programs. Without such service officers, veterans may go without the benefits they have earned for their time in service either because they are not aware of certain benefit programs or become frustrated with the application process.

While nationally recognized service organizations, such as the Disabled American Veterans, have functioning chapters in rural areas, they may not offer advice and casework services. For instance, Columbia County employs the only veteran service officer in the county and due to budget constraints, that officer works on a less than part-time basis, single-handedly serving the more than 6000 veterans living in Columbia County.

"In 1803 Army captains and comrades, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, led the Corps of Discovery on a mission prescribed by President Thomas Jefferson to reveal the western half of this great nation.

"After 554 days and over 4000 miles, or, as we mark today, 200 years ago, the expedition set eyes on the Pacific Ocean.

"For 106 days, Fort Clatsop Oregon was their home. And in total, after returning east, the expedition covered 8000 miles over a period of two years, four months and nine days.

"This order was carried out by some of our earliest veterans, and we are here to honor their contributions to American history; to marvel at their accomplishment and thank them for their bravery.

"Today we celebrate this history with people from all over the country, but many of us began working towards this day years ago. The hard work and dedication of many inspired individuals, my predecessor Elizabeth Furse, Cindy Orlando, Don Striker, Chip Jenkins, Betsy Johnson, Oregon's National Guard, local officials and many area residents, made Oregon’s newest national park and today’s festivities a reality.

"I am honored to have been in a position to contribute. It was on August 21, 2002, that the president signed my legislation to expand Fort Clatsop National Memorial. And on August 30, 2004, both Congressman Baird and I praised Congress for renaming the park the Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks.

"I hope what we have accomplished together will impact millions of Americans as they come here to learn about Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and the Corps of Discovery.

"At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 the guns fell silent on European battlefields echoing the cease fire agreement struck by the Allied Nations and German forces, effectively ending World War I.

"One year later on November 11, 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed and commemorated the first Armistice Day. And in 1954, President Eisenhower reestablished the day as Veterans Day in order to pay respect to all veterans of all wars. Thus, began an annual tradition through which the public recognizes and honors the service and sacrifice of all the men and women who have worn the uniform in defense of this nation.

"To all the families and veterans here today – soldier, sailor, airmen, Coast Guardsmen – thank you for your courage, your character, your strength, and the enduring power of your example. You are patriots, one and all. And every American owes you a debt of gratitude that words cannot repay.

"I know I speak for everyone here when I say that we stand united behind our courageous men and women in uniform. And I know I speak for my colleagues in Congress when I say that we will ensure our troops have everything they need to succeed in their mission and return home to their families’ loving embrace.

"As we take care of those who defend our country today, we must fulfill our debt to those who have defended us in the past. As a nation, we have a sacred pact with all those who served in uniform. You and your families have always taken care of us. In return, we will always take care of you. That is our solemn pledge.

"Part of that pledge includes the assurance that veterans are aware of benefit they have earned for their time in service. I have introduced legislation that will support veteran service officers who work in rural counties. In rural counties, veteran service officers are a veteran's primary resource for information and assistance regarding federal and state veteran benefit programs. Without such service officers, veterans may go without the benefits they have earned either because they are not aware of certain benefit programs or become frustrated with the application process.

"I am working to move this legislation forward in Washington, DC and hopeful I will gain the bipartisan support necessary to see it becomes law.

"In closing, I hope all of you see yourself in the Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks and the history it represents.

"The Corps of Discovery answered the call of their country just as you have done. They carried out their orders with pride and conviction just as you have and they made American history, just as you have.