Barbara Boxer: “Today is Veterans Day--a day to honor the service of those brave men and women who have fought for and defended our…”

“Today is Veterans Day--a day to honor the service of those brave men and women who have fought for and defended our country. This Veterans Day has special meaning as 130,000 Americans are serving in Iraq, and many in this country have lost loved ones in Iraq in the past year. Americans can be proud of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who are serving today. They are continuing to show the courage, dignity, and bravery with which our veterans, who we honor today, have served in the past. That rich tradition includes those Americans who serve in the Guard and Reserves. In the 12 years since the first war in Iraq, more than 525,000 members of the Guard and Reserves have been mobilized--more than twice the number that were mobilized in the previous 36 years. When they are called up to active duty, they leave their civilian jobs--and their civilian salaries--behind. Most take a pay cut--and are glad to do so to serve our country. But when that active duty service becomes an extended tour of duty, the financial strain on the families left behind can be enormous.”