Bob Olson on Veterans Day

Olson: Veterans Day Should Be About More Than Words

For Immediate Release

ANOKA – Bob Olson, a DFL candidate in the 6th Congressional District, released the following statement in honor of Veterans Day:

"As politicians of both parties mark Veterans Day with tributes to our men and women in uniform, it's important that we never lose sight of the fact this holiday is about more than platitudes.

"Theodore Roosevelt once remarked that anyone 'good enough to shed his blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards.' But today it's clear that we're falling short of that goal.

"According to recent news reports, there are nearly 2 million veterans nationwide without health insurance; veterans make up one-quarter of the homeless living on America's streets, though they account for just 11 percent of the total adult population; and veterans face a much higher risk of suicide than their civilian counterparts.

"This tragedy is not the fault of one person or one political party, but fixing it is the responsibility of one nation.

"Men and women leaving the service, in times of war and peace, deserve access to affordable health care, assistance in translating military experience into civilian world success and help coping with the hardships and horrors they have endured on our behalf. This isn't an act of charity; it's something veterans have earned.

"Good people may disagree on how and when we should use our military. But we all understand that when political debates end we must come through for those who have served our great country with honor.

"America's veterans have never shirked their responsibility to us. Now it's time our government commits to delivering real support for them. Let's make Veterans Day about action, not more hollow rhetoric."