Originally Released on May 27, 2011

"The lasting lesson all of those who serve in our military show us each and every day is ‘failure is not an option’."

Today, Congressman Ed Perlmutter (CO-07), released the following statement to honor our nation’s veterans on Memorial Day.

“On Monday, our nation celebrates Memorial Day.  I encourage everyone to take time out during the day to remember and honor the men and women who courageously served our country.  The lasting lesson all of those who serve in our military show us each and every day is ‘failure is not an option’.  We are a great nation, made up of brave people willing to sacrifice for our country. 

The stories from our veterans teach us important lessons about the resilience and determination of our people, communities and nation.  I cannot express my admiration, respect and thanks enough to those who gave their selfless service to our country – then and now.”

Below are some of the important ways Perlmutter has led efforts to increase benefits to our Veterans:

• Working with the Dept. of Veterans Affairs and contractors to further construction of the new stand-alone VA Medical Center at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora;

• Supported legislation extending key reemployment rights to those called up for full-time National Guard duty;

• Supported new post-9/11 GI benefits for Veterans;

• Supported Energy Jobs for Veterans Act, to increase job opportunities for veterans by reimbursing energy employers for the cost of providing on-the-job training for veterans in the energy sector;

• Supported the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act, to increase the rates of compensation for veterans with service connected disabilities;

• Supported efforts to accelerate the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs claims processing times to ensure timely access to benefits for veterans.

Additionally, Perlmutter’s office worked with the Community College of Aurora and the Library of Congress to produce a 30 minute video - “The Wars We Fought”, to preserve the histories of Colorado veterans.  This film won numerous awards and is part of the Library of Congress’ Veterans Oral History Project.  Click here to view the documentary – and scroll to the bottom of the page.

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