CONGRESSWOMAN FUDGE SALUTES VETERANS, URGES CONGRESS TO KEEP ITS PROMISES TO TROOPS IN HARM'S WAY

WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH - On Veteran's Day, November 11th, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) urges all Americans to join her in remembering those who served their country in the name of freedom and democracy. 

"We are forever indebted to the brave men and women who throughout our history put their lives on hold and sacrificed so much to protect our Nation," said Congresswoman Fudge.  "I am pleased that the President is keeping his commitment to end the war in Iraq and withdraw American troops by year's end.  However, let us not forget the immense cost of that war and the on-going sacrifice of U.S. service members who are currently deployed in Afghanistan."  More than 4,400 Americans were killed in Iraq and more than 1,800 have died in Afghanistan since 2001.  259 Ohioans lost their lives in those wars and another 1,800 are among the 46,000 troops who were wounded."

Congresswoman Fudge remains steadfast in her promise to keep America's commitments to its veterans.  Noting that Ohio is home to  the sixth largest number of veterans in the nation ( 867,240), she supports efforts to strengthen health care, provide education benefits and meet the urgent need of helping veterans find employment.

"Wherever I go, I hear from veterans who ask where are the jobs, what is the Congress doing to grow the economy?  I successfully advocated for $700,000 in federal grants to the MAGNET program to train and find jobs for veterans in Cuyahoga County. Moreover, I supported the Post 9-11 GI Bill that restored the promise of a four-year college education and President Obama's proposed American Jobs Act which includes tax credits for businesses who hire veterans that have been unemployed for six months or more," said Congresswoman Fudge. 

"I am deeply saddened that as Veteran's Day 2011 approaches, not only has the House Leadership refused to bring needed jobs legislation to the floor, but House Republicans have refused to allow a vote on a resolution to honor the military forces that captured and killed Osama Bin Laden.  Our veterans and active duty military deserve so much more."

CONGRESSWOMAN FUDGE'S VETERANS DAY SCHEDULE                                                                                                                                      

10 a.m. 10701 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106

Congresswoman Fudge will attend the ceremony to unveil the portrait of Congressman Louis Stokes at the Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

11 a.m.  Cleveland City Hall Rotunda
601 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114

The sister of the late Marine Corp. Steven Mylant will receive nine medals and ribbons earned by her brother at the City of Cleveland Veterans Day Commemoration. Congresswoman Fudge assisted the family in obtaining the edals for the Purple Heart Recipient who was wounded twice
in combat in Vietnam. Mylant died as the result of his injuries in July, 1967.  Congresswoman Fudge will be represented by staff.