As we honor and pay tribute to our nation's veterans, I want to let them know that we, members of Congress and the people we represent, owe them a debt of gratitude. 

They have sacrificed time with their families to protect our families.  They have spent countless hours, days, months and years away from home and loved ones, often in dangerous and extreme conditions.  They fought so gallantly to protect our way of life, our families.  And to the brave men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their nation, we thank them and honor their memory.  They will never be forgotten.  

I believe that veterans who served our county deserve the fairest treatment available and that our national priorities must recognize the contributions of all military personnel. Health care is an area in which we can, and must, do better for our veterans.  To that end, I have joined with a majority of my colleagues in the Illinois Delegation in sending a letter to the Acting Undersecretary for Health opposing the proposed plan to shift care from four area VA hospitals to only one, Lakeside in Chicago.  I pledge that I will continue to monitor this situation and will strongly encourage the VA to give significant and serious consideration to any comments submitted by veterans who will be affected most by changes in the delivery of services. 

On this day, and every day, our nation is grateful for what our veterans have given us.