Today, let us gather once more to pay tribute to the brave Americans who have stood on the front lines of freedom. Let us honor the noble few who risked everything to secure a better future for us all.
These veterans have always kept the torch of Liberty shining across the world, and it is not an exaggeration to say so. Each year, on the 11th Hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we come together in this place of sacrifice to pause and show our respect to these incredible Patriots – the greatest fighting force in history. As the Commander-in-Chief, I am deeply honored by their service. As a father of a son who served, I consider it a privilege beyond measure. However, it is disheartening to acknowledge that many veterans are still not receiving the care they deserve.
That is why I am pleased to announce that starting in March of next year, any veteran exposed to toxins during their service in any conflict outlined in the packed act will have the opportunity to enroll in VA healthcare. But our efforts don’t end there. Over the past year, we have worked tirelessly to provide more benefits and process more claims than ever before in VA history.
We have also allocated additional resources to combat veterans’ homelessness, poverty, and the alarming issue of suicide – a silent scourge that claims more lives than war itself. Furthermore, we are launching a new initiative to safeguard veterans from scams because it is unacceptable for those who defended us to be defrauded. Let us remember that these brave men and women have given everything for us, and it is our duty to ensure they receive the support they need..
