Lee Metcalf: “from the first bullet fired at Lexington to the jungles of Vietnam and the sand dunes of the Persian Gulf, this Nation…”

“from the first bullet fired at Lexington to the jungles of Vietnam and the sand dunes of the Persian Gulf, this Nation has asked its citizens to step forward and defend the ideals and principles upon which representative self-government is founded. Those who responded honorably to this summons have earned the privilege to be considered veterans. Their courage is not only measured in battle, but by their willingness to leave their homes, families, and their dreams behind and fight in defense of these principles. Many of our citizens have paid the ultimate price in Europe, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf. For some, the battle continues as they try to deal physically, emotionally, and mentally with scars that will not heal. Many have turned to drugs and alcohol for solace while others still suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder. To these veterans, our Nation owes gratitude and respect, but words are simply not enough to convey this message. Our actions must speak louder than our words. We must continue our commitment to our veterans. One area where improvements are needed is the housing and shelter for homeless veterans.”