November 09, 2017

MANCHIN: I ENCOURAGE US ALL TO THANK A VETERAN

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin today released the following statement on Veterans Day.

“As Americans stormed the beaches of Normandy, battled at Iwo Jima, fought up the Korean Peninsula, served in the jungles of Vietnam and defended our national interests across the Middle East, West Virginian service members never flinched, and bravely led the way to serve and defend the United States of America. We’re one of the most patriotic states in the country, and this Veterans Day let us all reflect on the men and women of not only our state, but our entire country, who chose to sacrifice so much so that we may all sleep soundly.”

“These Veterans are our brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers; they’re our neighbors and our coworkers. And though it is important for us to take the time and honor them this Veterans Day, I encourage all my fellow Americans to stand with them and appreciate their service each and every day. We have known that our service members have valiantly risked their lives abroad for generations, but are just now recognizing the invisible wounds that Veterans endure when they return home. While the Department of Veterans Affairs’ is second-to-none when dealing with combat related injuries like Traumatic Brain Injury, polytrauma, and mental health, there is still so much more to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of our nation’s Veterans. As a member of the Senate on the Committee on Veteran’s Affairs as well as the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to work to eradicate the issues of homelessness, joblessness and lack of adequate healthcare access that affect far too many Veterans.” 

“So on this Veteran’s Day, I encourage us all to thank a Veteran. Show your sincere gratitude for those who risked their lives to keep our country the strongest in the world.  Freedom is not free, and it is their commitment to liberty and patriotism that makes me proud to call myself an American. May God continue to bless our Veterans and may He bless these United States and the state of West Virginia.” 

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