Statement of
U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL)
In Commemoration of Veterans Day

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek issued the following statement in commemoration of Veterans Day, which falls on Sunday, November 11th 2007:

"This Veterans Day, we honor the more than 24 million veterans, brave men and women who have served our country in uniform. Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to the soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coastguardsmen who defend America in peacetime and wartime. Throughout history, these selfless men and women have brought dignity to the uniform they wear, and honor to this nation they so proudly defend."

"Again this year, we are a nation at war. We honor the newest generation of veterans who have served so honorably in Afghanistan and Iraq, despite the most challenging of circumstances and hardships."

"This Democratic Congress is taking America in a New Direction by providing real support for our troops and veterans, including the largest veterans funding increase in history. We have passed a 3.5% pay raise for our troops, well exceeding the President's requests. We have provided historic increases in veterans' health care and benefits, totaling nearly $12 billion to meet the needs of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans."

"The Wounded Warrior Assistance Act passed by this Democratic Congress will improve outpatient medical care for wounded service members at military health care facilities, restore integrity and efficiency to disability evaluations, cut bureaucratic red tape, and improve the transition of wounded service members from the Armed Forces to the VA system."

"This Veterans Day, let's all remember that caring for those who bore the brunt of war, and their families, is our moral obligation, a solemn promise and responsibility that must not go unfulfilled."

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Floridian on the House Committee on Ways and Means, and also serves on the House Committee on Armed Services.

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