THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 9, 1995 TAG: 9511080006
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 46 lines
Each year Americans pause on Veteran's Day (Nov. 11) to remember and honor the millions who wore the uniforms of our great nation in defense of freedom and democracy.
Veteran's Day is a very emotional time. We feel a deep sense of pride for having served our country, and are filled with hope as we see more and more nations beginning to embrace the democratic freedom our nation's veterans have fought for and selflessly defended for more than 200 years.
We are also filled with sadness when we think of the countless young men and women who gave their lives to ensure our freedom, and we feel fortunate and blessed to be able to enjoy that freedom veterans have made possible.
As 1995 draws to a close, so does the 50th anniversary marking the end of World War II and an era of veterans the like of which the world is not likely to see again. They willingly paid the price for freedom with their lives, bodies and minds. And by their efforts, God willing, no generation after them will be called to pay so high a price.
We are proud to be veterans, but we are saddened and angered by the proposals by our national leaders that would be disastrous for disabled veterans and their families.
When we see VA programs and services singled out for drastic spending cuts by the very leaders we have elected to represent us, we are disheartened and appalled.
We veterans are once again engaged in battle. But this time it is a battle of balance sheets against needed benefits and services. It is politics against disabilities.
We're fighting for the fair treatment of disabled veterans and the well-being of our families, and we need allies. Let your congressional leaders know that balancing the budget on the backs of disabled veterans and their families is wrong, and we will not stand for it.
JAMES CERZA
Commander, Chapter 22
Disabled American Veterans
Portsmouth, Oct. 26, 1995 by CNB