CLICK HERE to see Rep. Solis pay tribute to our nation's veterans at Arlington National Cemetery.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Rep. Solis' views on veterans' issues.

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (CA-32) released the following statement to pay tribute to our nation's veterans and to commemorate Memorial Day:

"Today we recognize the service of men and women who risk their lives in support of our nation as members of the armed services, both in times of peace and war. We must never take for granted the service of all who have served and continue to serve.

We must fulfill our moral obligation to those who have fought for freedom and democracy and commit ourselves to ensuring better lives for these people and their families. Those who have answered the call to duty should be able to rely on the promises of the nation for which they fought. When our soldiers return home, we must ensure they return to a country that serves their needs. Yet, more than 50,000 veterans wait in line for at least six months for health care. That travesty will only get worse with the growing numbers of returning soldiers and the continued failure to adequately fund needed healthcare. Taking care of our troops is providing them their deserved healthcare services and doing so in a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate.

Mental health and bereavement counseling are essential services for those returning from war. The growing numbers of minorities in the military and their families are especially impacted. Yet only 43 percent of VA staff is trained to implement culturally and linguistically appropriate programs and only 24 percent of facilities have translated materials into languages used by our servicemen and women and their families. I have introduced (H. R. 5007) legislation to ensure veterans and their families receive culturally and linguistically competent health care, especially for those suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.

I am also a proud sponsor of the “GI Bill for the 21st Century”, a comprehensive package of benefits designed to honor the contributions of those who have served in the Armed Forces. It will provide better education, health care, and job training benefits for those who have answered the call to duty. It will end the disabled veterans’ tax for all disabled military retirees—an unfair tax that forces military retirees with service-connected disabilities to give up one dollar of their pension for every dollar of disability they receive. 

We should all remember this Memorial Day that we should help – not hinder – our military veterans and give thanks to their families who have sacrificed so much for this country. On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind.

This Memorial Day, I encourage all to celebrate the lives and mourn the deaths of those who served in defense of this great nation, especially our own sons and daughters who proudly serve from East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. Let us dedicate ourselves to supporting and encouraging today’s servicemen and women to develop into another great generation to keep our nation free, safe and strong.