Darlene Hooley: “nearly 83 years ago, our Nation signed an armistice agreement that ended the First World War. Though many bright-eyed…”

“nearly 83 years ago, our Nation signed an armistice agreement that ended the First World War. Though many bright-eyed optimists heralded this as "the war to end all wars," just two decades later the world was plunged into another war more brutal and bloody than the first. In both world wars, as in the Cold War, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf, millions of men and women answered their country's call to defend liberty at home and abroad. And now America finds itself embroiled in yet another war, a new conflict in which we stand together against the enemies of freedom and order. Just as we have so many times before, we send soldiers sailors, airmen, and Marines forth in the cause of liberty for which so many have given the last full measure of devotion. For their service and sacrifice our Nation's soldiers and veterans deserve our eternal gratitude. But they deserve more than gratitude, for our government has promised veterans that it will provide them health care both during and after their service. Yet we are constantly confronted with our failure to honor these promises.”