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Edwards' Statement Honoring Our Veterans

11/9/12

Congresswoman Edwards released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day, observed on November 11, 2012:

"On Veterans Day, Americans come together to recognize and value the sacrifice of our nation’s veterans and their families. Throughout the nation’s history, selfless Americans have answered the call to serve our country with honor and distinction, serving as role-models at home and protecting our freedoms abroad.  As the daughter of a career military service member, I know the dedication of our veterans is unparalleled. We owe a debt of gratitude to those who served this great nation and continue to contribute to our communities.

“It is with this in mind that I hope we once again focus on ensuring our veterans receive the support they deserve.  I am encouraged by President Obama ending the war in Iraq, and affirming a strict timeline to end our decade-long engagement in Afghanistan.  Congress took a step forward last fall by enacting President Obama’s veterans hiring initiative, to expand job opportunities for our veterans through tax credits for businesses that hire service members.  The VOW to Hire Heroes Act also includes additional provisions to boost hiring for veterans and provide them with the training they need to find a job in civilian life.  As more service members return home, Congress must work to ensure that each individual has access to health care, mental health services, job training, and educational opportunities.  It is my sincere hope that we continue moving forward in the 113th Congress; to do so will require overcoming our differences and uniting behind the common goal of helping America’s veterans.

“On a personal note, I honor my father John and my brother John, who both served and sacrificed for this nation.  We also honor the sacrifices of the nearly 50,000 service members wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a grateful nation pays tribute this Veterans Day, let us renew our vow to ensuring that these veterans and all veterans, and their families, receive the care, services, and honor they deserve.”