Veterans Day approaches, and while Congress continues its Constitutional duty of passing Appropriations bills this week, it is important we also take time to honor those who have served.
There is a significant history to the origin and evolution of Veterans Day; a federal holiday that sits on a list alongside the likes of Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Independence Day. While many today understand it as a day to honor all who served for our country, its root of fervorous patriotism runs deep in American history.
On November 11, 1918, the armistice agreement between Allied Forces and Germany was signed, and World War I was officially over. In the next year, Americans cited the significance of the day and passionately advocated it be commemorated for future generations to understand the sacrifices made by our still growing nation.
Exactly one year later, President Woodrow Wilson announced November 11 as “Armistice Day” and the first observation of the end of the Great War ensued with parades, massive community celebrations, and ceremonies dedicated to the individuals that served in the effort.
However, as the world witnessed the end of World War II and the Korean War, it became apparent that Armistice Day should not be limited to commemorating a single war. Thus, in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill into law officially renaming the holiday as Veterans Day. This change broadened the scope of the observance to honor and recognize all American veterans, regardless of the era in which they served, and whether it was in times of war or peace.
While many nations including Great Britian, France, and Canada also share a form of Veterans Day, the United States’ commitment to its veterans is a cultural bedrock and reflects an American promise that if a citizen is called to help protect our nation, then our nation will help protect them.
In Congress we have an entire committee dedicated to meeting the needs of our veterans. The House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs promote policy that aims to not only protect veterans but innovate in the effort to uncover new and more efficient means of ensuring that promise is kept.
The House Appropriations Committee—the committee endowed by the founders with the power of the purse—guarantees an annual veterans funding bill passed by the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I work closely with my colleagues to pass fully funded healthcare programs and benefits managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
On the policy front, the House recently passed H.R. 1226, the Wounded Warrior Access Act which would modernize the VA by simplifying the process for veterans to access their claims files electronically. This legislation passed unanimously on the House floor. We also passed H.R. 502 which eliminates outdated rules and allows new access to GI Bill reimbursements.
Additionally, I have introduced the VA Electronic Health Record Modernization Improvement Act. The bill aims to fix VA’s handling of the Oracle Cerner electronic health record (EHR) system and ultimately ensure that VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) are well-equipped to implement and use the new system, without hindering the delivery of care to veterans and hurting VA provider productivity levels.
I will continue to advocate for veterans of Central Washington and encourage any veteran in need of assistance to reach out to my office.
This Veterans Day, let us remember the significance of the day and reaffirm our commitment to bettering the lives of those who served going forward. For it is their dedication and sacrifice that has, and will continue, to protect our way of life. The United States remains the land of the free, because of the brave.
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” –President Ronald Reagan
