releases: https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1073
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1073 | Congresswoman Tsongas statement on Veterans Day | 2013-11-11 | 2013 | 2013-11 | Democrat | House | MA | Niki Tsongas | T000465 | tsongas.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Tsongas statement on Veterans Day LOWELL, MA – November 11, 2013 – Congresswoman Niki Tsongas released the following statement in observance of Veterans Day. “On Veterans Day, we recognize, with gratitude, all Americans who wear, and who’ve worn, the uniform of the United States of America. “In particular, we honor the 3rd district’s proud tradition of service to our country. We are home to generations of veterans who have, without hesitation, answered our country’s call and have returned forever changed from their experience of war, deeply committed to our country’s well-being. “I am proud to carry with me the legacy of these brave men and women as I serve in Congress; particularly in my service on the Armed Services Committee, where I have dedicated my efforts to ensuring our troops have the necessary resources to remain safe, effective and elite. “As co-chair of the Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force, I take seriously my responsibility to support Massachusetts military installations and the men and women who make them so vital to our armed services. This region’s deep military tradition has positioned us to play an important role in America’s military future – a role that is garnering national attention. “In recent weeks I have visited Natick Soldier System Labs to see the cutting-edge technologies they are developing to help protect our servicemembers. Last week, Air Force Chief of Staff General Mark Welsh visited Hanscom Air Force Base and MIT’s Lincoln Labs with me to see their innovative work firsthand. And in coming weeks Army Chief of Staff General Ray Odierno will visit Massachusetts to learn more about the essential development happening here at places like Natick. “Here in Massachusetts we’re utilizing our world-class academic institutions, advanced industry partners, and two of the nation’s leading federally funded research and development centers to explore and create the resources necessary for our soldiers to return home safe and successful. “When they do return home, America has made great strides to support the 22 million veterans nationwide and the more than 370,000 right here in Massachusetts. “The modernized GI Bill restores the promise of a full, four year college education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. “We have worked to address the outrageous shortfalls in military and veteran’s health care by increasing funding for quality veterans’ health care, including mental health care, by more than 40 percent since January 2007. “But there is much more to be done, especially when it comes to clearing avenues to jobs and other vital resources that our veterans need to transition to civilian life. The VA and Congress, especially on the Armed Services Committee, also continue to explore solutions to our military suicide epidemic. “As our nation continues drawing down our military involvement abroad and more American heroes return home, it is more important than ever for there to be a strong support system for military families. “And, we thank the families of those who serve. Their support, bravery, and patriotism make possible the personal sacrifice that is at the heart of military service in a time of war. “But, words of honor are not enough. It is incumbent upon those of us in Washington to honor those who serve with laws that meaningfully support our service members, veterans and their families. “Across the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC is the message, freedom is not free. The freedom we enjoy is the result of the sacrifices of our veterans. We are the beneficiaries of their courage, their sacrifice, and their vigilance; and so are countless people around the world. “This is why today is reserved for our veterans. We must seek out the war stories of what today’s veterans have seen and heard so that we are ever mindful that our decisions to commit our nation to war are our most solemn, asking for great risk and sacrifice by those who answer the call.” #### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |