Political Quotes

“last year a single group of veterans in my district, the 6th District of Ohio, volunteered to perform military honors at over 60 funerals. They perform this solemn duty out of the kindness of their hearts and with the deepest respect for our nation's fallen heroes. A sad fact is that many of these same veterans lack the financial resources necessary to purchase the appropriate uniform for a full rendering of military honors. The Department of Defense (DoD) implemented important provisions with the FY00 Defense Authorization Act, providing support for honor guard details performing military honors to veterans. However, in discussion with DoD about their proposed plans to implement these provisions, I have been told that no uniforms will be provided to a veteran performing military honors. This decision by DoD is arbitrary and indefensible. I am pleased that the committee leadership accepted my amendment as part of the en bloc amendment which passed on September 20, 2001. This provision will require the DoD to supply the appropriate civilian uniforms to those veterans performing an honor guard program who demonstrate a financial need for such support.”