Washington, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady (R-The Woodlands) spent the day Monday honoring the 8th District’s hospitalized veterans at the Michael DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston. The Department of Veterans Affairs has designated February 8-14 National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week.
"Our nation is strong and free because of the veterans, brave men and women, who have sacrificed defending it. Their lives and presence in our community remind us of the patriotism that makes America great. Each generation must defend the freedoms the last generation secured. This week we salute these veterans, living right here in our communities, and once again thank them for their service to our Nation," said Brady.
The purpose of the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Program is to:
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pay tribute and express appreciation to hospitalized veterans;
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increase community awareness of the role of the Veterans Affairs medical center;
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encourage citizens to visit hospitalized veterans and to become involved as volunteers
Congressman Brady and our President recognize the importance of funding Veterans health care. The President’s 2005 Veterans Affairs medical care budget is about 40 percent greater than when he took office. This increase will help provide care for the expected additional one million patients who will depend on Veterans Affairs Medical Centers for medical treatment.
Congressman Brady urges all Americans to use the week of February 14 to say thank you to a special group of men and women, more than 98,000 veterans of the U.S. armed services who are cared for every day in Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, outpatient clinics, domiciliaries, and nursing homes.
For more information on how you can participate in this year’s salute, visit http://www1.va.gov/volunteer/page.cfm?pg=4
