Merkley Honors Veterans

LA GRANDE—Oregon House Speaker Jeff Merkley, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, released the following statement today praising the dedication and sacrifice of America’s veterans:

“Every American owes a debt of gratitude to our veterans that none of us will ever be able to fully repay. As a society that has asked so much of our men and women in uniform in recent years and throughout our history, we strive to honor them and their service.

“But we have seen a tragic shortfall in recent years in veterans’ health care and support services. Sub-par conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, six-month waiting periods to see a doctor, dishonest recordkeeping by the Defense Department to avoid paying full benefits – this is not how America should treat its greatest patriots. We can and must do better.

“There is no greater gift Americans can give to their country than being willing to fight and die for the ideals our nation was founded on. And there is no greater obligation than for the government that owes its existence to their sacrifice to support and care for them when they return from the battlefield.”

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Posted November 11, 2007
Press, Spotlight