As we commemorate Veterans Day this Friday, we remember with gratitude all those brave service members who, throughout American history, have courageously fought to preserve our freedoms. We gather as a nation to honor and pay tribute to those who have selflessly served, and I hope you will join me in thanking all of our veterans – as well as our troops both at home and abroad – who have given so much to defend this great nation. I look forward to attending Veterans Day programs in the Fifth District as I have each and every year that offer an opportunity to show our respect and commitment to veterans from our local communities, and I encourage you to seek out such events in your area.
Over the past year, we have partnered with local veterans groups across the Fifth District to offer recognition to a group of veterans that has not always received the recognition they deserve – those who served in Vietnam. That conflict commenced 50 years ago, and while it was marked by controversy and tension at the time, that does not diminish in any way the great sacrifices that this generation of veterans made. They were no less brave or committed to our country, and they are no less deserving of our respect and recognition than any other serviceman that has ever put on the uniform to defend and protect the United States of America. It has been my honor to recognize Vietnam veterans as part of this 50th anniversary commemoration and use this occasion to reflect on the history of that time period.
Veterans Day also serves as a reminder that we owe all of our heroes a level of care and service worthy of their sacrifice, and while we have made progress in restoring our ability to fulfill that promise, the Department of Veterans Affairs continues to be plagued by mismanagement that is negatively impacting our veterans. Ultimately, it is the President who bears the responsibility of changing the course of this agency as our Commander-in-Chief, and he has not done enough to remedy these urgent issues. This incoming administration must wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to right the wrongs of this administration’s VA and show our veterans the compassion and dedication they so deserve.
Given the heavy price all our soldiers paid, it is clear that we must renew our commitment to care for those who have served and pledge to maintain that commitment to those who will answer the call to serve in the future. We must be diligent in our effort to change the culture of the VA so it can return to fulfilling its critically important mission – our veterans deserve nothing less. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve Virginia’s Fifth District veterans, and I hope that you will join with me this Veterans Day in thanking all of those who have and continue to serve this great nation.
If you need any additional information or if we may be of assistance to you, please visit my website at hurt.house.gov or call my Washington office: (202) 225-4711, Charlottesville office: (434) 973-9631, Danville office: (434) 791-2596, or Farmville office: (434) 395-0120.
Robert Hurt represents the Fifth District of Virginia in Congress.
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