Today, the men and women of our armed forces are fighting against brutal tyranny and terror in Iraq and Afghanistan, while others stand guard against dangers, both at home and abroad. Yes, American lives are being lost, and many of our young men and women are suffering grievous wounds that will affect them the rest of their lives.
All who treasure freedom should honor their sacrifice and service, both now and far into the future. Yet, as the memories of the War in Iraq and the War on Terror eventually will fade, the personal costs to those disabled warriors will remain for them a daily reminder of their sacrifice.
Regrettably, America's soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen have not been perceived by their government as a national priority. Year after year, sick and disabled veterans must struggle against heavy odds to make their voices heard by a government that often disregards its obligations to America's brave sons and daughters.
The battle for veterans' rights and justice is nothing new. In fact, the Disabled American Veterans was formed in the aftermath of World War I when a group of veterans injured in the war banded together for strength and support to make sure that all disabled veterans got the health care and benefits they had earned in the trenches of Europe.
Today, young men and women, all across the nation, with newly scarred bodies and shattered minds still seek the DAV's help, as have their fellow veterans from earlier wars and conflicts.
To fulfill our mission of service to disabled veterans and their families, the DAV needs the continued support of the American people. That support is essential for the DAV to make sure that today's -- and tomorrow's -- veterans receive just compensation for their service-connected disabilities, necessary medical care, and other earned benefits and services from their government. It is absolutely crucial that veterans and their needs are not ignored as their government sets national policies and funding priorities.
The brave men and women the DAV represents have served our country and protected our freedoms with honor and pride. They deserve more than empty words and broken promises. Our government must make veterans a national priority and make the necessary investment in programs to ensure that our nation's disabled veterans and their families receive the earned benefits and services that were promised them.
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