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Congressman Cohen's Statement on Veterans Day

November 10, 2008


Each November, Americans come together to remember our veterans who have served the nation, often at great risk, and those who we have lost for the cause of our freedom. The debt owed to these 24 million American veterans is immeasurable. In the 9th District, we have lost 10 brave young men in Iraq and Afghanistan, and on this day, may we pray for their families and honor their service in defense of the United States.

Today, we are a nation waging war on two fronts, and this Congress has recognized the new challenges and problems facing 21st Century soldiers. We have enacted a new GI Bill for a full, four-year education to make our troops from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan part of a new American economic recovery, just like after World War II. And last year, we enacted the largest increase in veterans’ health care in our nation’s history, strengthening health care for more than 5 million veterans and adding over $16 billion for veterans’ health care and services over two years.

Let us support and pay tribute to our courageous troops currently serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the globe, who are the veterans of tomorrow. We honor the more than 4,000 Americans who have died in Iraq, as well as the 600 who have died in Afghanistan. We also honor the wounded: more than 30,000 U.S. troops in Iraq and 2,500 in Afghanistan.

In the next Congress, we will redouble our efforts to strengthen our military, support our troops and their families, and provide services to our veterans worthy of their sacrifices and valor. On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind.

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Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, 202-225-3265
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, 202-225-3265