Santa Fe, NM – Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District released the following statement today in celebration of Veterans Day.

“In communities across this great nation, we gather to honor the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women who have protected our country and the values and ideals that we hold dear.  As we celebrate Veterans Day, we remember the heroism and bravery of all those who wore our nation’s uniform.

“In New Mexico, we have a long history of service.  From the Navajo Code Talkers and the soldiers who endured the Bataan Death March in World War II to Medal of Honor recipients Leroy Petry and Hiroshi Miyamura, New Mexicans have fought bravely in many conflicts.  While the theater of battle may have changed, their brave service and commitment to our country has always remained the same.

“President Kennedy said, ‘Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.’  Time and again our veterans have lived up to those words, enduring the hardships and making the sacrifices that have protected our nation and our values.  And for that we owe them a debt of gratitude.

“This year will mark the 70th anniversary of the GI Bill that enabled veterans and military families to get a quality education and opened the door to the middle class for so many.  It is an example of the commitment our country made to those who served and it is a reminder of the importance of providing for our veterans when they return home.

“We must thank our veterans not just in words, but in deeds.  To honor our promises we must ensure veterans and their families receive the benefits they have earned.  While we have taken important steps to right the wrongs at VA facilities that failed to provide the care our veterans deserve, we must remain vigilant to ensure that no more veterans fall through the cracks.  And we must provide opportunities to our returning veterans.  Despite the leadership, skills, and training they possess, too many veterans struggle to find work.  From job training to incentives to hire veterans, we must invest in the men and women who served with distinction and have what it takes to be the business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders in our communities.

“To all our veterans, thank you for your service and your sacrifice.  And to all the men and women still serving in our Armed Forces, thank you, and we pray for your safe return home.”

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