Chet Edwards, TX-17
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 07:35 PM As the proud son of a World War II naval aviator, it is a privilege for me to express tonight, on behalf of America's Democrats, our profound respect for the sacrifices made by our service men and women and our veterans. We also salute the unsung heroes in our nation's defense: the spouses, children, and loved ones of our troops and veterans. Maybe they haven't worn our nation's uniform, but they have surely served us all through their daily sacrifice. Barack Obama has honored our sacred trust with veterans through his service on the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. In the last two years, Senator Obama helped pass the new GI education bill and voted for the budget that provided the largest increase in veterans' health care funding in the 77-year history of the Veterans Administration. As president, Barack Obama will responsibly bring our troops home from Iraq, and he'll make better health care and benefits for veterans a higher priority than tax cuts for Exxon-Mobil and the wealthiest Americans. That's the change we need and the change our veterans deserve. I have the greatest respect for the military service and sacrifice of John McCain in the Vietnam War. Yet, millions of veterans and Americans would be surprised and disappointed to find out that Senator McCain has received failing grades from some of our nation's most respected veterans' organizations. He has repeatedly voted against health care funding and benefits for his fellow veterans. And if elected, his plan could lead to the rationing of veterans' health care. The fact is, our veterans can't afford more of the same from John McCain. Under Barack Obama, we'll have a president who will honor the service of every veteran, fully fund the VA, and respect their sacrifice by giving them the benefits they've earned. The record is clear: our veterans can't afford more of the same from John McCain. Barack Obama is the change we need. Last month my wife and I took our 11- and 12-year-old sons to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to visit wounded soldiers. We met a young soldier in a wheelchair. He had lost both of his legs in combat in Iraq, and this courageous father was holding his infant child lovingly in his lap. As we talked, I held tightly to my sons' hands, overwhelmed by a father who will sacrifice every day for the rest of his life because he served his country. We can never give that soldier his legs back, but he should never have to give up on the dreams he has for his child.
As we watch this Steven Spielberg film, let us remember that in the 21st century, we are the land of the free, because we are still the home of the brave.